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The Mystery" 




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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



The Mystery of God 

or 

Heaven's Plan 

for 

The Salvation of a World 



By 
T. H. JEYS 



Oakwood Press. Printers. Huntsville. Ala. 



-;^ 



■ e^^-- 



Copyright 1915 by T. H. Jeys 



JUN 17 1915 
©CIA406336 



Dedication 

To him whose eyes are wet with tears, 
Wiiose burdened iieart is 611ed with fears 
Who for the hope of Israel pines, — 
To him I dedicate my lines. 



To him who feels transgression's sm iri 
Who hath been woinided to the heart 
By secret sin, or open wrong, — 
To him I dedicate my song. 



To him who, tired and sick of sin, 
Longs for the peace of God within, 
To him who for his Lord doth wait, 
Mv little book I dedicate. 



To every man, in every land. 
Who will the wiles of sin withstand, 
Who for his coming Christ doth look, — 
To him I dedicate my book. 




J/ou'yA in ^^t^l, ^. 2^1. JteuS 



Preface 

In every house there are large and small timbers. 
If the heavy sills and joists be needed, so too, are the 
laths and mouldings ; if the spikes and bolts are in- 
dispensable, so likewise are the shingle-nails and tacks. 
The fact that even the smaller and less important ma- 
terials are needed, has led to the belief that some place 
may be found where even this humble effort may be 
of value. 

It is not claimed that this little l)Ook fills any "Long 
Felt Want." Nor has the author been "Urged by his 
many friends" to publish it. % No blame can possibly 
attach t@ any one except himself. He has written 
from sheer love for the work. 

That it has many literary crudities, omissions, and 
blemishes, is freely admitted. It is hoped, however, 
that the lovliness of the theme may atone, at least iii 
part, for the lack of skill in presentation. 

That it may be the means in the hands of God of 
darting some little ray of light and hope into some 
sorrowing heart, that some one may thereby be drawn 
nearer to our Father, that His plan for the saving 
of a sin-darkened world may be made a little more 
plain, and that by all these the glory and honor of 
our loving King may be increased, is the wish and 
prayer of 

The Author. 



Illustrations 




Frontispiece 


Page 


The Ark 


13 


The Flood 


15 


Noah's Prayer 


18 


Jochebed and Moses 


28 


The Shepherds 


41 


The Flight to Egypt 


48 a 


The Magi 


49 


Glad Tidings 


40 a 


The Mount of Temptation 


57 


The Triumphal Entry 


64 a 


The Betrayal Kiss 


79 


Mockery 


81 


Caiaphas' Oath 


84 


Behold The Man" 


97 


Carrying the Cross 


101 


The Crucifixion 


105 


The Burial 


110 


Mary in the Garden 


115 


The Walk to Emmaus 


119 


The Ascension 


130 


The Falling Stars 


141 



Contents 
Part I. — The Promises 

Arg^iiinent — Prelude — The Song — The Jarring Note 
An Angel Expostulates — lyUcifer Replies by Sneers — 
lyoyal Angels Give Information — Michael Pleads with 
Lucifer — The Offer Spurned — Lucifer to Adam and 
Eve — Consternation among the Angels — The Loyal 
Angels Express their Sympathy — A Commanding An- 
gel Explains — The Angels' Response in Song — The 
Plan Revealed to Man. Page 1-8. 

Noah 
Prelude — Noah Instructed — The Scoffing Antediluvi- 
ans- The Ark— Fear— The Storm— The Storm Abates 
Noah's Family Sing Praises — Noah's Prayer — The 
Response — The Covenant. Page 10-20, 

Abraham 
Prelude— The Call— Faith— The Vision. Page 21-24. 

Moses 
Prelude— Moses' Birth— Moses' Education— The Call 
of Moses — The Coming of Moses — The Exodus — In- 
terlude — The Vision — The Promise — The Death of 
Moses — The Burial. Page 25-36. 

Part II.— The Pasion 

Jesus' Chii^dhood 
Argument — Prelude — The Shepherds Converse — The 
Angel Appears — The Angels' Song.— The Magi — 
Night at Jerusalem — Day Dawns — Arrival of The Magi 
The Magi Find Jesus — Flight to Egypt — Herod Slays 
the Babes — The Mothers Mourn. Page 38-50. 



His Public Ministry 
Prelude — John Baptist — The Baptism — The Mount of 
Temptation - First Temptation— Second Temptation 
Interlude — Third Temptation. Page 51-60. 

The Closing Days 
Prelude — The Triumphal Entry — Tiie Lord's Great 
Prophecy— The Washing — The Communion — Geth- 
semane — The Sanhedrim Trial — Abuse — Peter's Deni- 
al — Before Pilate — Before Herod — The Second Time 
before Pilate — The Letter — The Scourging — In The 
Judgment Hall Again — Pilate Washes His Hands — 
Mockery— The Path to Golgotha— At Golgotha— The 
Death — Interlude — The Burial — The Visit of the 
Women — The Resurrection — In The Garden — The 
Women Tell Their Story — The Walk to Emmaus — 
The Return to Jerusalem — Arrival of the Two — Un- 
blief — Interlude — The Gospel Commission — The 
Angel's Promise — Pentecost. Page 60-130. 

Part III.— TheQIory 

Argument — Interlude — The Three-fold Message — The 
Work Finished — Probation Closed — The Coming King 
The Resurrection — The Desolate Earth — The Second 
Resurrecttion— The Holy City— The Siege— The Fi- 
nal Destruction — The New Earth Metropolis — Finale. 

Page 131-151. 



The Mystery of God 

Part I. 
Promises to the Fathers 



Argumknt 

The scene opens with tlie creation of the earth, and the joy 
of the angelic host. 

Ivucifer, displeased that he is not first consnlted, harbors 
jealousy, which finally ripens into revolt. Such efforts as Mich- 
ael and the holy ans^els can make, are found useless, and the 
great rebel l)egins his work of temptation on earth. 

His interview with man results in the fall. The plan of re- 
demption is arranged, and Adam and Eve are informed of what 
the final result will be. 

The same promise is further explained and amplified to 
Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others. 



Prei^ude 
A world new-bnilt. An angel choir 
Sweet words of praise prolong". 
Deep toned, and grand, and silvery sweet. 
Around the throne of God there meet 
The sounds of seraph song. 

Gen. 1 :1. Job 38: 7. 



2 THE MYSTERY 

The sons of Goxi with glad acclaim 
Sound forth their songs of praise 
To Him who doeth all things well ; 
And of His power they gladly tell, — 
Unsearchable His ways. 

Ps. 148, 149, 150. Rom. 11 : 33. 

The Song 
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty ! 
Praise and willing service be given unto thee. 
Thou art strong and powerful, wise and everlasting ; 
Thy glorious reign continue thruout eternity. 

Isa. 6 ;3. 

Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty ! 

Truly thy great wisdom we willingly extol ; 

Who wast and art Creator, and ever shalt continue 

Most blest and only Potentate while all the ages roll. 

Rev. 11 : 17. Rev 5 : 9-14. 1 Tim. 6 : 15. 

Holy, holy, hol}^, Lord God Almighty ; 
Loyal angels worship most humbly at thy feet. 
Give we adoration, for Thou alone art worthy.' 
Raise we glad hosannah, as round thy throne we meet. 

Heb. 1 : 6. Rev. 5 : 9. 

The Jarring Note 

Lucifer, soliloqiiizhig, — 
" I'm sorely displeased ; 
My mind is not eased, 



THE MYSTERY 

Tho I lead in this service of song. 

Why may I not be 

As exalted as He ? 
I am beautions, I am wise, I am strong. 

Ezek. 28 : 17. 

These anthems of praise 

To the Ancient of Days 
Might all be directed to me, 

I lead this vast throng 

Of the angels in song, — 
My beauty is pleasant to see. 

Isa. 14 : 13. 

I'm resolved to rebel 

And my wishes to tell 
To the angels that inarch at my word. 

I will lead in this fight 

To regain my lost right 
To be supreme ruler and Lord. 

Isa 14 : 14. 



An ANGKL KXPOSTUI.ATKS WITH lyUCIFER 
O turn thee, loved commander 

Obey thy Lord and King. 
Repent thee of thy proud attempt, 
And praise and honor bring." 



THE MYSTERY 

IvUCIFER KRPTJEvS BY SNEERS 

" All yes, I see ! 

You'd liave iiie be 
A slave, an underling. 

But I'll be first, 

Or take the worst 
That His dire arms can bring." 

lyOYAL ANGKT.S GIVE INFORMATION 

" Most Holy One, 

Against Thy Son, 
And Thee, rebellion works. 
Tho clad with light, 
An angel bright 
A foe in heaven lurks," 

Michael pleads with Lucifer 
" O Lucifer, son of the morning, 
O turn 3^e, for wdiy will ye die? 

O hear, and take heed to my warning. 
O serve and obey the Most High. 

Isa. 14 : 12. Kzek. 33 : 11. 

"O cast from thy heartthy ambition, 
O turn to thy Father above, 

O come unto him in contrition. 
He'll meet thee with infinite love. 

See Patriarchs and Prophets. Chap.l. 
Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tenn. 



THE MYSTERY 5 

" I would be as a da^'Sinan between thee, 
I would plead for thy pardon with power ; 

O give me the right to redeem thee 
In this, the acceptable hour. " 

The offer spurned 
"Too long have I yielded to power, 
Tco Iciig liave foregone my just right, 

But now and henceforth, from this hour, 
Will have my just dues or will fight. " 

Lucifer to Adam and Eve 
* 'There is no death. Thou shalt not die. 

Tis not the plan of the most High. 
But good and evil thou shalt know, 

Come taste this fruit, and find it so." 

Geu. 3:4.5. 

Consternation among the angeus 
*'0 sorrow, O sadness, O horror and gloom ! 

O sin has l)rot misery, death, and the tomb ! 

O dismal and dark is the unhappy fate 
Of the world that has kept not its holy estate !" 

The loyal angels express their anxiety 
''Only by using His infinite power, 

Only the arms of Omnipotence can 
Be of avail in this critical hour, 

Serve for salvation of sin-sickened man. 



6 THE MYSTERY 

*'\Ve cannot fathom the depths of this dolefulness, 
Horror and heaviness, Hke a dark cloud 

Hide from our sight ever}^ vestage of hopefulness, 
Darkness and helplessness hope doth enshroud. 

''Who is sufficient to fathom the mystery? 

There is but One in the hoav^ens who can. 
What will He do to blot out the sad history 

Already written by sin-ruined man ?" 

Acts 4 : 12. 
A COMMANDING ANGPX EXPLAINS 

"One has been found who will drink the dread potion. 
Suffer the sorrow that sin doth entail, 

Walk in a world filled with war and commotion, 
Never discoiu'aged nor ever to fail. 

Mark 14-; 36, Heb. 2 : 14, Isa. 9 : 5, Isa. 42 : 4. 

Tenderly viewing their fallen condition, 

Loving them, even tho from H im they stray, 

To Him He'll draw them in humble contrition, 

They will find in Him the truth and the way." 

Jno. 3 : 16, Jno. 12 : 32, Jno. 14 : 6. 

The angels' response in song 
Now has come salvation, laud him in the song ; 

Now thru all creation, lofty praise prolong. 
Sin shall be defeated, rebellion soon be spent, 

Nor e'er shall be repeated sin's sad experiment. 

Rev. 12 : 10. Nahura 1 : 9. 



THE MYSTERY 7 

**Praise to Jehovah ! glad praises belong. 

We will bring praise with the harp and the song. 
Prosirate we fall and our Aiaker adore, 

Gladly we serve at His side evermore. 

"As angels excelling in strength do we bring 

Glad praises to Him, our blest Maker and King. 

Hear we most gladly the words of our Lord, 
Harkening e'er to the voice of His word. 

Ps. 103 : 20, 

'*Ours the blest privilege to ministers be 

To heirs of salvation on land or on sea; 

To guard them, to keep them from danger or harm, 

To strengthen for dut}/, to shield from alarm. 

Heb. 1 :14. 

"Praise, praise to the Father, praise, praise to the Son, 
Most blessed, who thus have salvation begun. 

O love beyond measure ! O infinite joy ! 

His praises our harps shall forever employ." 



The plan rkvealed to man. 

The voice of God, how sweet to hear ! 
Se gentle, musical and clear. 

But sin doth guilty man affright. 
He seeks the darkness, shuns the light. 

Jno. 3 : 19. 



THE MYSTERV 

Thus Adam hides him from the face 
Of God, and cowers in disgrace. 

That voice, earstwhile so sweet and clear, 
Arouses now but guilty fear. 

Gen. 3:8. 

God spkaks to Adam 
Where art thou, Adam ? Why this fright ? 

Where now is gone thy robe of light ? 
What ! hast thou eaten of the tree 

Which T had late forbidden thee ? 

Gen. 3 : 9--11. 

To which thus Adam low replies. 

The while to hide his shame he tries, 

The woman whom Thou gavest me, 
The fruit of that accursed tree 

Placed in my hands ; and I did eat, 
Full bitter now, tho then so sweet." 

God speaks to her and she replies, 
And as she speaks, averts her eyes, 

Gen. 3 : 12. 

The serpent came and tempted me ; 

The fruit most pleasant seemed to be ; 
Bewitched, beguiled, the fruit I ate, 

And thus have sealed my hopeless fate." 

Gen. 3 : 6. 



THE MYSTERY 

Next, to the wily foe He spea^ks, 
Who place of hiding vainly seeks, 

Who turns and writhes, but needs must slav 
To hear Jehovah ^sternly say^ — 



Because thou now hast done this thing 
I'll pluck from thee thy gaudy wing. 

Thou'lt crawl the ground for want of feet, 
And dust shall mingle with thy meat. 

Gen. : 3 14. 



Between the woman's Seed and thee 
Perpetual war and strife shall be. 

Subdued at last, thy head shall fee 

The conquering pressure of His heel." 

Rom. 16 ; 20. Gen. 3 : J 5- 




1(3 THE MYSTERY 



Noah 

Ten generations since the fall, 

Despair and grief amidst them alL 

Mankind low sunken down with sirr^ 
Violence withotit, within. 



Noah instructei? 
" Faithful, constant, have I found theev 
Perfect in thy generation. 
I will surely stand between thee 
And this earth's near desolation. 

G<?n. 1:7. 

Build an ark at my direction, 
Like the pattern I shall show thee, 

Srong and stauncli for thy protection. 
And all living things below thee. 

Gen. 6 : 14, 15. 

From the fields and forests take thee 
Food for every living creature. 

Meanwhile, to the world I make thee, 
Of my faith the living preacher." 

Gen. 6 : 19, 20, Keb. 11: 7. 



THE MYSTERY 11 

The scoffing Antediluvians 
" See this boat? 

Will it float? 
Noah is a man of notel 

On dry land 

See him stand 
With his hannner in his hand. 

He looks wise 
. From his eyes. 
As he tells that from the skies 

Rain will fall 

On lis all, 
Covering all the mountains tall. 

" Let us see. 

How can he 
Tell how such a thing can be? 

Does he know 

What is so » 
More than other men below ? 

Matt. 24.:37. 2 Peter 3:3, 6- 

" Calm yonr fears, 

Close your ears 
To his cries and sighs and tears. 

Flee alarm, 

Fear no harm, 
All your anxious thots disarm. 



12 THE MYSTEKV 

Let today 

(xlide away, 
Eat and drink, rise up to play. 

Rest secure, 

Very sure 
This present world will long endure, 

Matt. 24:38. 2 Pet. 3:4. 

The Ark 

Tlie ark is now finished, the beasts have gone ii». 

An angel, descending", has closed the great door- 
Deriding and mocking, emboldened in sin, 

The wicked for whom there waits mercy no more 

Examine the ark, and then smile in derision, 
Altho in their hearts tliere is many a fear. 

Each one has made a last final decision ; 
Divine retribution draws rapidly near. 

Fear 

They gather in groups and talk low ; 
Each face a dark anxious look wears ; 

They fear Noah's message is so ; 
And one to his fellow declares, — 

"I've a vague and annoying unrest ; 
No effort can drive it away. 

My mind is disturbed and distressed, 
For strange things have happened today. 

Lsa. 48:22. 



THE MYSTERY 



13 



From mountain, and forest, and field, 
There gather all animals round, 

And willing obedience yield 

To Noah. And then at the sound 




From vioimtai?i, and forest, and field 



Of his voice in command, they obey, 
Walking into the ark side by side 

In orderly sober array, 

And there they in quiet abide. 

Gen. 6:20-52, Gen. 7:16. 



14 THE MYSTERY . 

An angel was seen to descend 
And close the great ponderous door. 

And declare that probation must end 
And mercy must linger no more. 



" And O, if it prove to be true, 
How terrible then is our fate ! 

How, when, where, or what shall we do ? 
How sad is our sorrowful state ' 

Matt. 24:37. 



Thk Storm 
Dark angry clouds arise arise, 

The winds with fierceness blow 
Obscured are all the skies, 

Fell fear all faces show. 

Look / see the lightning flash 
From storm cloud, tempest driven, 

Hark to the thunder crash 
And roar thru all the heaven ! 

Hear cries and shrieks of woe ! 
Hear direful, dreadful sound ! 

See buildings leveled low 
And dashed upon the groiuid ! 



run MYSTERY 



15 



Now stalk in every way- 
Deep Dread, and dire Dispair ; 

And lips, unused to pray 
Are moving now in prayer. 

Men seek the heights of laud, 
Or climb to tops of towers ; 

On mountain peaks they stand 
Thru ail the fearful hours 




' Jl/e?i seek the heights of land'' 

Till overwhelmed and lost. 
The waters fierce prevail ; 
No tongue of that vast host 
Remains to tell the tale. 



16 THE MYSTERY 

Full fifteen fathoms deep 
Above the highest land 

The darkling waters creep, 
Obeying God's command. 



The storm abates 
For forty days the waters fall. 

The fountains of the deeps 
Are broken up, and over all 

The mighty besom sweeps. 

Gen. 7:11. 

The hand of God directs the ark 
Thru all the dreadful days, 
As in the floating, storm-tossed bark, 
The faithful family stays. 

At last, a year and ten days o'er, 
From out the ark they go. 

Upon earth's surface walk once more. 
And travel to and fro. 

Gen. 8:16. 

An altar to the Lord they raise, 

An offering they bring ; 
To Him they render grateful praise. 
With thankful hearts they sing. 

Gen. 8:20. 



THE iMYSTERY 17 

Noah's famit.y sing praise 
" No^v lofty song we bring, 
To Thee we sound our praise. 
Thou art our Sovereign, Thou our King, 
And right are all Thy ways. 

" Thy covenant we love. 
It's sacred vows we take ; 
Help us to scve Thee, God above, 
Nor Thy commands forsake. 

" O haste that happy day 
When sin shall be no more ; 
When God shall wipe all tears away, 
And death's dark night is o'er. 

Rev. 21:4. 

" Make of us what Thou wilt, 
Cleanse us in mind and heart ; 
And, when the precious blood is spilt, 
Give us in it a part." 

Noah's praykr 
"Thou has kept us 

From the tempest. 
Thou hast spared us from the storm. 

Shielded thru Thee, 

Yielded to Thee, 
We have been immune from harm. 



18 THE MYSTERY 

Eord accept lis, 
And protect us, 

As we walk earth's surface o'er ; 
Keep us near thee, 
Help us fear Thee, 

Now, henceforth and evermore/ 




Keef) lis near Thee, Help ics fear Thee ' ' 



The Rksponse 
And He who hears and answers prayer, 

Who marks the sparrow's fall, 
With pleasure bends and harkens there. 

As on His name they call. 

Matt. 10:29. 



THE MYSTERY 19 

His covenant He speaks again, 
His loving- kindness shows; 

His favor to the sons of men, 
Once more He will disclose. 



. The Covenant 
' My grace I now extend to thee, 

My covenant shall established be 
Between thy righteou-s seed and thee^ 

Dismiss thy fears. 
My promise here to thee I malce, 

(Nor shall 1 e'er th-e compact break ^ 
To keep thee for My mercy's -sal^e^ 
Thru all thy yea^rs. 

vGen. 6:0 S. 



*' On land or sea, or in the air, 

The beasts of earth with thee shall shate 
The comfort of My constant care, — 

All that have breath. 
To thee will I disclose the plan 

Determined since the world begaa 
By which I rescue -guilty man 

Ji'rom sin and deaths 

Oen. 9:9-16. 



20 THE MYSTERY 

My rainbow in the clouds I place, 

A si^n. a token of my grace, 
Reflection of My favoring face. 

For yon to see. 
And as yon view it arching o'er 

The darkened heavens, fear no more, 
Tho lightnings flash and thunders roar, 
I'll care for Ih'ee. 

Gen. 9:13. 

Thru thee shall come a Holy One, 

To thee shall he vouchsafed a Son, 
Thru whom My will is to be done 

For guilty man. 
He is of all the worlds the choice. 
He is of heaven's tliot the voice, 
In Him alone, you may rejoice. 
And in Him stand. 

Jno. 1:1, Kpli. 1:10-14. 

As in a cloud the bow you see, 

Remember, 'tis a pledge that He 
Will all your help and comfort be 

In calm, or storm. 
No flood shall e'er destroy again 

Completely all the homes of men ; 
For He shall see the bow, and then 

Shield thee from harm," 

Gen. 9:16. 



THE MYSTERY 21 



Abraham 

PrEIvUDK 
Ten generations more are gone. 
And sill sits heavily upon 

A world of woe. 
The Father's eye of tender love 
Looks from the throne of light above 

On those below. 

The call or Abram 
From Ur, in Chaldee's sunny land, 
The lyord takes Abram by the hand 

And leads him forth, 
A pilgrim and a stranger, he 
By faith alone, a land can see 
Of priceless worth. 

Gen, 12:1, Acts 7:1-4. Heb. 11:8. 

A city with foundations bright, 
All glorious with celestial light 

Now greets his eyes. 
And voice of God, distinct and clear 
Like lovely music he doth hear 
From out the skies, 

Heb. ll:ia 



22 THH MYSTERY 

It says to Iiiin, — " Look to the sky 
And count the stars that roll on high 
In glory bright. 
So, nitni1)erless thy seed shall be, 
Or like the sand along the sea 
Within thy sight. 

Gen. 15-5, 

" In thee the nations- shalt \je blest. 
Thy Seed shall give His people rest 
At that great day. 
Fear not, for am I not thy Lord ? 
And thy exceeding great reward 
ThriT all the way ?'"' 

Gen. 15:1. 

A-B'KAm's F^aitht 
Abrai)i, — " How can it be ? 
How can it be? 
How be fulfilled thy words to me ? 
I have no son 
Except the one 
Adopted in my family/" 

Gen. 15:2. 3. 

felwvah, — ' It is not he* 

The heir shall l>e 
Not he ; but e'en thine only sois 



THE MYSTERY 23 

Shall be thine heir. 
To thee I swear, 
Of him shall come the Holy One." 

Gen. 15:4, Gal. 3:16, Gen. 12:3- 

Abram, — " I pray Thee, Lord, 

Confirm Thy word 
Which in my ear has sounded sweet. 

Show me a sign 

That I am thine 
And mine this land beneath my feet."" 

Gen. 15:8. 

/e/iova/i, — "Build thee an altar in this land, 
Bring thee an offering in thy hand, 

Stand thou near by ; To thee I'll show 
The thing that thou hast asked to know. " 

Gen. 15:9. 



Thk Vision 
A land fair and beautiful, pleasant to see, 
A numberless host, plucking fruit from a tree 
Whose leaves are for healing of sorrow and strife, 
Growing hard by the river of waters of life. 

Rev. 22:14. 



24 THE MYSTERY 

But now tlie glad picture fades sl^^wly from si'^Tit, 
And, taking the place of the vision so bright, 
A horror of darkness oppresses his^sonl ; 
Before him dread pictures of suffering rol). 

Gen. 15:12. 

" In lands not their own shall thy seed he oppressed. 
Full four- hundred years, ere they enter their rest." 
Ah ! well may the prophet, appalled at the sight. 
And the terrible sound, shrink in weakness and 

fright. 

Gen. 15:13. 

But God, when He sniiteth, delighteth to heal ; 
To those in deep sorrow. His mercies appeal ; 
So Abraham learned, as he viewed the great plan 
For the final redemption of poor puny man. 

Isa. 54:7-10. 

Instead of possessions in part of the earth, 
Or owning a farm in the land of his birth, 
All sinners shall be from the universe hurled, 
And Abraham's seed l:)ecome heirs of the world. 

Rom. 4:13. 

Thus surely, tlio slowly, develops the plan 

Of infinite Wisdom to save guilty man. 

Thus slowly evolves from the earth's dismal night, 

God's picture of joy, putting darkness to flight. 



THE MYSTERY 25 

Moses 

Prelude 
The years roll by and now we view 
Tlie seed of Abrani passing thru 
The time predicted by the I^ord, 
And noted in his sacred word. 

Gen. 15:13. 




' At zvater' s edge with viaids of state " 

MosKvS' Birth 
Three hundred years and more, are gone, 
Release from bondage draweth on ; 
Soon dawneth Israel's longed for morn ; 
In Amram's home a child is born, — 

Kx.2:l,2. 



26 THE MYSTERY 

A child, who, destined to be greats 
Is by his mother placed, to wait 
The coming of the princess fair 
To find him ki the basket there. 

Ex. 2:3,4. 

At water'^s edge, with mafds of state^ 
Who on her slightest wishes wait, 
The daughter of the Egyptian king 
Commands her maids the babe to bring:. 

Ex. 2:5. 

When, as the bitlrnsh ark is brot. 
The little babe looks up and cries, 
The princess' mind is deeply wrought,. 
She looks upon the child, and sighs, — 

Ex. 2:5, 

*' Some Hebrew mother here has tried 
With mother-love and anguish wild, 
Her little helpless babe to hide 
From those who would destroy her child. 

Ex. 2:e. 

" How lovely is the little one I 
I'll take him for my very own. 
He shall be mine, my little son, 
He'll be the king when he is grown." 



THE MYSTERY 27 

Go, bring: a Hebrew woman here ; 
Come, take this child and nurse for me, 
Care for him well, and do not fear, 
Your wages are assured to thee,''' 

Ex. 2:9. 

Why pales the cheek ? Why does she shake? 
This woman of the Hebrew race. 
When asked the little child to take. 
Why fades the color from her face ? 

With trembling hands she clasps her child ; 
Her mother-love in tears o'eriows. 
Her happy heart is beating wild, 
As to her humble home she goes. 



Moses' Education 
The precious years that follow now 
Must be to work of training given. 
Her child must be instructed, how 
To choose the way that leads to heaven, 

Heb, 11:23. 

The splendors of his Egypt home 
He must be taught to value less 
Than call of God to go and roam 
With Israel in the wilderness. 

Heb. 2:24. 



28 



THE MYSTERY 



The sorrows of the church of God 
He must be taught to gladly choose. 
For recompense of the reward, 
All Egypt's pleasures he must lose. 

Heb. 11:25, 




The mother well her task has done ' ' 



THE MYSTERY 29 

Twelve years flit l)y with rapid race, 
The mother well her task has done, 
And now the lad must take his place 
As Pharaoh's daughter's only son. 

Ex. 2:10. 

The blandishments of rank and state 
Are powerless to affect his mind. 
For Israel's hope content to wait. 
He is to earthly Egypt blind. 

Heb. 11:24. 

Thus Moses, reared in Pharaoh's court 
Is for his arduous task prepared. 
To lead the congregation forth, — 
The work for which his life was spared. 

Heb. 11:25. 

The Cai^Iv of Moses 
Full forty years in Egypt's land, 
And forty more in Midian passed, 
He spends, before he, called to stand 
And lead his people, goes at last. 

Ex. 7:7. 

With nature's solitudes, he learned 
To trust self less, and trust God more ; 
The desert bush has brightly burned, 
His desert discipline is o'er. 

Kx. 3:1-10. 



30 THE MYSTERY 

With faith in God to lead the way, 
He undertakes the call of heaven. 
" I Am hath sent me," he must say. 
And give the call he has been given. 

Ex. 3:14. 

Meanwhile in Egypt's darkened land 
His burdened brethren groan, and pray 
That God will show His mighty hand, 
And bring the dawn of freedom's day. 

Ex. 1:7-11. 

The Coming of Mosks 
The longed-for time of help has neared ; 
Four-hundred-thirty years are past, 
Since God to Abraham appeared ; 
The dreary darkness lifts at last. 

Ex. 12:40. 

With plagues of lice, and hail, and flood, 
With darkness dense as to be felt. 
With waters changed to streams of blood, 
Jehovah has with Pharaoh dealt. 

Ex. 9, 10, 11. 

And, last of all, th'avenging hand 
Of the destroying angel falls 
Upon the firstborn of the land, 
From Pharaoh's house to cattle stalls. 

Ex. 12:29. 



THE MYSTERY 31 

But in the homes of Hebrew slaves 
Is heard the voice of humble prayer. 
The blood mark on the door post, saves 
The firstborn, who is slumbering there. 

Ex. 12:23. 

The Exodus 
And as a wail spreads thru the land, 
E'en Egypt's great and bitter cry, 
Each Israelite, with staff in hand, 
Awaits the call of the Most High. 

Ex. 12:11. 

The fullness of the time has come. 
The years of sojourn now are o'er ; 
For, Jacob's days of darkness done, 
He serves taskmasters now no more. 

Ex. 12:41. 

From Egypt's coldly cruel land, 
And from beneath the master's rod, 
From under the oppressor's hand, 
Goes Israel forth to serve his God. 

Ex. 5:1. 

For forty years, o'er desert sands. 
The murmuring congregation goes. 
A faithful shepherd, Moses stands 
To guard his people from their foes. 

Num. 33:38. 



32 THE MYSTERY 



Interlude 
As Israel wandered long ago 
For weary years o'er desert sand, 
Before they were allowed to go 
And take possession of the land, 

1 Cor. 10:10. 

So, modern Israel, faitliless still, 
In desert lands are forced to roam ; 
Altho Ihey might, had they the will 
Be living in their Canaan home. 

1 Cor. 10:11. 



Again the curtain shifts, and there 
We on a mounlain top behold 
The patriarch with whitened hair, 
Not feel)le, even tho he's old. 

Dent. 34:7 

Thrice forty years of age is he, 
Nor weak of limb, nor dim of eye ; 
Here called of God the land to see, 
And here in Pisgah's top to die. 



THE MYSTERY 33 

The Vision 
On Nebo's top he takes his stand, 
The leader of the Hebrew band ; 
And from this point he views the scene, 
Tho time and distance intervene. 

He first behold the fertile fields, 
The land that such abundance yields. 
Spread out before his longing eyes. 
The lovely land of Canaan lies. 

• Deut. 34:2. 

It's beautious fields of living green, 
It's sparkling streams of silver sheen. 
The sunshine showering down so bright, 
All serve his senses to delight. 

Deut. 34:4. 

There, Gilead, Dan, and Naphtali, 

The places distant and more nigh, 

Are viewed with much, tho pleased surprise, 

As on them each he turns his eyes. 

Deut. 34:2. 

His pulses quicken. May not he 
Whose eyes are here allowed to see 
This lovely plain, this promised land, 
Pass over and upon it stand ? 

Deut. 32:3-25. 



34 THE MYSTERY 

To which Jehovah ansAvers, " No, 
Into this land you may not go. 
Let it suffice ; it may not be. 
About it speak no more to me."' 

Deut. 3:26. 



But now fair Canaan fades from view ; 
The weary leader looks anew ; 
And, spread before his wondering eyes. 
Another panorama lies. 

Heb. 11:10. 

The whole wide world appears to view, 
Not spoiled with sin, but bright and new. 
No thorns, no thistles, blight, nor mould, 
No burning heat, no bitter cold. 

Rom. 4:13. 

The earth restored the prophet sees, 
Most glorious rivers, mountains, trees, 
The city with foundations bright. 
All robed and clothed in living light. 

Isa. 65 : 17. 

And as he views the glorious land 
On which the ransomed are to stand, 
Jehovah there declares again 
His purpose for the sons of men. 

2 Peter 3.13. 



THE MYSTERY 35 

The Promise 
*' To earth a Prophet will I give 
Among the men of earth to live, 

lyike nnto thee. 
My own cotnraandments shall He speak. 
To those who shall salvation seek, 
He'll Saviour be." 

Deut. 18:19. 



The Death of Moses 
Fades the fair vision. The land of the Moabite?^ 
lyies to the southward, and this he beholds, 
lyovingly looks on the camp of the Israelites, 
Then with calm quiet his tired hands he foldsv 

Deut. 2:9. 

Here is revealed to the perishing patriarch 
How the Messiah shall suffer alone ; 
Bear the great Ijurden of all human sinfulness, 
For, of the people, to help there is none. 

Isa. 63:3. 

Over tlie landscape a dimness is settling ; 
Nightfall is coming, and fading the day ; 
Weary and anxious, tlio trusting resignedly, 
Israel's leader is passing away. 



36 THE MYSTERY 

The BuRiAiy 
Not for the patriarch huiuan-made pagentry ; 
Not a man kiioweth his grave to this day. 
Angels excelling in glory and majesty, 
Tenderly bury the body away. 

Deut. 34:6. 



Far down below lies the camp of the Israelites. 
vSoon Canaan's country shall sound to their tre'^d. 
Little they reck in their quiet security, 
Moses their much l)eloved leader is dead. 

David 

Prf.IvUDE 

Now many generations more 
Of earth's sad history are passed o'er. 
Sin's dark, malignant, hateful reign 
Has filled the earth with dread and pain. 
The Father, watching from above, 
Still guards his flock with tender love. 

The Promise to David 
My covenant will I not break ; 
King David I will ne'er forsake. 
His seed for aye the king shall be 
Thru years of all eternity. 

Ps. 89:34-37. 



THE MYSTERY 37 

David's Praise 
*' O who am I, thou King of kings, 

Of whom thou speakest blessed things ? 

Because thou promisedst to me 
That of my seed the King shall be, 

2 Sam. 7 18. 

*' I offer honor, praise, and songs, 
To Thee, to whom all praise belongs. 
Of my poor liouse Thou speakest well, 
Most blessed things Thy words foretell. 

2 Sam. 7:19. 

'*For when thou saidest, ** At my right hand 
Sit thou, I'll make thee rule the land," 
How deep thy thots ! How grand thy word ! 
For thus thou' It make my Son my Lord ! 

Ps. 110:1, Matt. 22:45, 

' Ah now I plainer seem to see 
The blessed truth held out to me ; 
And not to me alone, but all 
Who willing at His feet will fall. 

2 Tim. 4:8. 

' Oh do thou then confirm the word 
My ears this day have gladly heard. 
When in the clouds Thy Son I see, 
Tis then my Son my Lord shall be. 

2 Sam. 7:28, 29. Isa. 25:9. 



38 THE MYSTERY 

Part II. 
The Passion 



Argump:nt 

The fullness of time arrives, and He who has l)een promis- 
ed to the fathers, comes to the earth a helpless babe. He lives 
the perfect life and dies for His people. 

The scene opens with the Bethlehem shepherds. Angels 
of God tell to them the glorious news, and sing the glory song. 
The Magi pay their visit, and Herod slays the babes. Joseph 
and Mary flee with the Child to Egypt. The wail of the Beth- 
lehem mothers is recorded. 

His baptism and temptation are described briefly. This is 
followed by the closing scenes of the earthly ministry. The 
triumphal entry, arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, 
gospel eommissioii, and ascension, are described. 



Prelude 
Earth's tragic stage is set once more ; 

And, glancing the dark picture o'er, 
We find four thousand years are past ; 

The day star has appeared at last. 
We gaze on plains of Bethlehem ; 

We see devout, tho humble men 
Tending their flocks of sheep by night, 

And praying to led aright. 

Uike 2:8. 



THE MYSTERY 39 

Thk Shepherds Converse Together 
First SJiepherd, — 
'Twas on these plains where now we keep 
Our watch by night and tend our sheep, 
That David, Israel's shepherd king, 
Lead forth his flock and here did sing. 

Ps. 23. 

' 'Twas he who sang the shepherd's song. 
Melhinks the time cannot be long 
Until the Chief of shepherds will 
His promises, long made, fulfill. 

Jno. 10:11. 

Second Shepherd, — 
" Ah, 37es indeed ! how longs ni}^ heart 
In that glad time to have a part. 
Fulfillment, tho it tarry long. 
Is certain ; and my hope is strong 

Habakkuk 2:3. 

That we poor shepherds, even we 
The glorious sight niay live to see. 
O happy thot ! There may be made 
Fulfillment now so long delayed !" 

Dan. 9:25. 

Thus talk these good and earnest men, 
Repeating prophecy again, 



40 THE MYSTERY 

By patriarchs and prophets told, 
Who of those days spake oft of old. 

1 Pet. 1:10-12. 

The3^ speak of Jacob's death-bed scene. 
What his dark prophecy could mean 
Concerning Jiidah's scepter, when 
Shiloh should be revealed to men. 

Gen. 49:10. 

*'For look," say they, "'tis gone at last ! 
And Judah's dominance is past. 
An Idumean holds the throne, 
And Judah's scepter now is gone." 

Matt. 2:1. 

All unseen, angels, bending low. 
Prepare their glorious light to show ; 
To tell these humble noblemen 
That Christ is born in Bethlehem. 

IvUke 2:8. 

The AngeIv Makes his Appearance 
The Shepherds, — 
'' Look ! look ! O look ! Behold the sight ! 
An angel clothed with living light ! 
See ! See ! O see the wondrous throng ! 
And hark that burst of seraph song ! 

lyuke 2:9. 





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Christ is born in Bethlehem 



THE MYSTERY 

The AngeIvS' Song 
Glory to God in the highest ! 

Peace on the earth unto men. 
Let every creature now bring Him 

Praises that never shall end. 

I.uke 2.14. 



41 




See/ see/ O see the ^lorioiis thro7ig/^^ 

Fear not ye children of Judah ! 

Tidings of gladness we bring. 
Today there is born unto David, 

The Lord, blessed Saviour, and King. 

Luke 2:10. 



He is the Prince and your Saviour, 
Meek, in a manger is He, 



42 THE MYSTERY 

Heaven's expression of favor, 
God on the earth shall He be. 

Ivuke 2:11. 

The Magi 
In the land of Medo-Persia, 
Ancient realm of Artaxerxes, 
Country where the good queen Esther 
Consort to Ahasuerus, 
Had in days long past been faithful 
To her God and to her people, 
Land of many a song and story 
Sung or told of deeds of daring, 
Land where kings and rulers boasted 
That their laws were never changing, 
Land where Daniel, ever faithful, 
Had been cast to hungry lions, — 
In this country dwelt the Magi, 
Far away toward the sun-rise. 

Esth. 4: 16. Dan. 6: 8, Ban. 6 : 16, Matt. 1 : 1. 

They were men of deep devotion. 
They had read the sacred writings 
Gathered from Judean captives 
In the days of dark disaster, 
When all Jacob's seed were scattered 
Far from home to heathen exile. 
They had read the words prophetic, 
Written by the Shepherd Psalmist, 



THE MYSTERY 43 

How Jehovah says to Jesus, 

Come, sit thou upon my right hand 

Till I make thy foes thy foot-stool." 

Ps. 110: 1. 

Daniel's prophecy was treasured 
As a comforting assurance, 
For it told of the Messiah ; 
And with glad anticipation 
Carefully they searched for treasure 
In his writings spread before them.— 
Searched, and were not disappointed. 
There, all plain, unrolled before them, 
Was the word, by Gabriel spoken. 
Know and understand, O Daniel, 
That the date for the re)>uilding 
Of the walls of thy Jerusalem 
Is the point from which to reckon 
Unto Christ, the Prince, Messiah." 

Dan. 1:3, Dan. 9:25. 

As they read, a deeper meaning 
Dawns upon their understanding. 
Greater than all Medo-Persia, 
Wider than all Grecian empire, 
Or the Caesars' vast dominions, 
Was to be the endless kingdom 
Promised to the Seed of David. 

Dan. 2 : 44. 



A 4 THE MYSTERY 

They had watched the hosts of heaven, 
Knew the changing constelations, 
Knew the stars and their positions, 
And their changes with the seasons. 
Great was their surprise and interest 
To behold toward the snn-set 
In the twilight of the evening 
A new star, by far ont-shining 
Ever}^ other well-known planet. 
Suddenly it caught their vision 
And, transfixed, they gazed upon it. 

Matt. 2 : 2. 

Balaam's mystic words, prophetic, 
They had often pondered over, 
How a star should come from Judah, 
And should smite the coasts of Moab. 
'Tis the star ! " they cry together, 
'Tis the last of the predictions 
Set to mark the happy moment, 
Natal hour of Judah 's Sovereign. 

Num. 24: 17. 

" Let us now our footsteps hasten, 
Taking with us myrrh and aloes, 
Frankincense and costly raiment. 
Let us greet the world's Redeemer, 
God's great Gift to guilty sinners." 

Matt. 2: 11, Jno. 3 : 16. 



THE MYSTERY 45 

Night at Jerusalem 
Darkness o'er the hills of Judah. 

Quietness now reigns supreme. 
Sleeps Jerusalem, neither does she 

Of her visitation dream. 

Burn the watch-stars in their courses* 

Keeping vigil o'er the earth. 
Watching, all the host of heaven, 

For it is the hour of birth. 

Birth of him, who, thru the ages 
Had been promised, now is here ; 

But the city, wrapped in slumber, 
Knows no gladness, feels no fear. 

Day Dawns 
Morning now. The day is dawning. 

Sunshine drives the shades away» 
Wakes Jerusalem from her slumber, 

Shadows flee before the day. 

Silently, the stars grow fainter, 
Close their eyes up, one by one, 

And Aurora, morning's herald, 
Now declares the day begun. 



46 THE MYSTERY 

Morning sounds now break the silence. 
Crows the cock, and chicks the hen, 

Coos the dove, and chirps the sparrow 
Nature is awake again. 

Men are now astir and working, 
Busy with their toils and cares. 

All unconscious of the blessing 
That so freely might be theirs. 



Arrival of the Magi 
Meanwhile, travel-worn, and weary 

With their journey, hard and long, 
Come strange men with startling question, 

To the busy, bustling throng. 

Matt. 2:1. 

*' Where is He, the king of Judah ? 

We have seen His star, and come 
From the East to do Him homage, 

Many leagues away from home. 

Matt. 2:2. 

We have lost sight of our beacon, 
And have traveled thru the night, 

But were sure that in Jerusalem 
We could soon be set aright. 



THE MYSTERY 47 

Messengers make speed to carr^^ 
News of these iiieH to the king, 

Herod hastes to call the rabbis, 
Telling them the books to bring. 

Matt 2:4- 

Comes the priest with pompous bearing, 
Holding in his hand the scroll. 

At the king's request he opens 
And begins to read the roll, 

Matt.5, 6. 

'*Thou, O Bethlehem Ephratah, 

Tho so humble and forlorn. 
Art not least, for in th}^ manger 

Zion's king is to be born," 

Micah 5:2. 

Trembles Herod as he listens. 

Fears indeed it may be so, 
But his feelings he dissembles, 

And he bids the strangers go, 

Matt. 2:3. 

**Go, and search, and when you find Him, 

Then return and tell to me, 
So I, too, may do Him honor, 

So I, too, the King may see." 

Matt. 2:8. 



48 THE MYSTERY 

Drawn his brow with darkest passion. 

Evil plans possess his niind^ 
He will kill the infant Saviour 

If he can the baby find. 



The Magi Find Jesus 
Once again the night has fallen!. 

Faded is the light of day ; 
Hastening on from out the city^ 

Go the wivSe men on their way. 

Matt. 2.9, 

Yonder fs the star before them. 

And, directed l)y its light, 
Down to Bethlehem they hasten, 

Guided safely thru the night. 

Matt. 2:10, 

There they find the virgin mother, 
There they see the blessed Son, 

And, with happy hearts, enraptured, 
Worship they the little one. 

Matt, 2:11, 

Pour they forth their eastern bounties, 
Frankincense, and myrrh, and gold, 

Costly gems, or curious garments, 
From their treasures, quaint and old 



THE MYSTERY' 

Thk FrjOHT TO Egypt 
Warned of God of pending danger, 

Joseph rises in the night, 
Takes the young child and the mother. 

Saves their lives by hasty flight. 

Matt. 2 : 13. 



4^ 




Worship they the little one. ''' 



Out of reach of Herod's soldiers, 
Down to Egypt now he goes, 

There are they immune from danger, 
Safe from jealous, deadly foes. 



Matt. 2.14. 



50 THE MYSTERY 

There the gifts of eastern Magi 

Serve to feed them while the}' stay. 

Thus God ever keeps his children, 
Guides and guards them all the way 

Matt. 2 : 11. 



Herod Slavs the Bethlehem Babes 

Meanwhile, mad vvitli jealous envy, 

Filled with fiendish, furious fear, 

Herod wrecks a ])loody vengeance 

On Ihe homes of parents near. 

Matt. 2:16. 

Bethlehem is moved with terror, 
Sorrow si Is on every brow ; 

Deeds of violence and rapine 
Fill all hearts with horror now. 

Matt. 2:13. 



The Mothers Mourn 
How long, O Lord, wilt thou not see 

The wickedness and flagrant wrong ? 
O, do thou undertake for me. 

Let not thine anger slumber long! 

Rev. 6:10. 



THE MYSTERY 51 

My hope is crushed, my joy is fled, 
All gladness gone, my food forgot, 

My heart can not be comforted, 
Because my first-born child is not, 

Jer. 31:15. 



His Public Ministry 

Prelude 

Mid cries and groans our curtain fell, 
Of sorrow still our lines must tell. 

Snd, sad, tho not unmixed with joy, 
The themes that must our thots employ. 

Full thirty years are past and gone, 
And now we turn our eyes upon 

The changes of the shifting years, — 
The joys and sorrows, smiles and tears. 

L,uke 3:23. 

Our hearts are comforted to see 
Tlie Christ of God of Galilee. 

He walks the earth, a man with men, 
To bring man back to God again. 

Jno. 1:14. 2 Pet. 1:4. 

Herod the king has had his day, 
Has played his part and i^assed away 



52 THE MYSTERY 

His httmaii greatness all is o'er ; 
He makes the mothers mourn no more. 

Mirtt. 2:r9.- 

The Eastern Magi, too have passed ; 
Have left their record, long to last ; 

The shepherds many times have told 
Their story, wliich will ne'er grow old , 

]Vfatt.2:l, Uike2 :8-B8. 

But now we tnrn onr eyes away 
From past events, and view the day 

Still present. Expectation keen 
Is everywhere both felt and seen, 

I.uke 3 : 15, 



John the Baptist, 

For in Jndea's wilderness 
Has come a man in humble dress. 

Who fearlessly reproves the wrong-, 
Who tells that time will not be long 

Until Messiah shall appear, 
And even now that he is here ; 

That He will visit man once more, 
And with His fan will purge His floor 

Matt. 3:1,4, 8, 11,12. 



THE MYSTERY 53 

In the wilderness of Judah, 
Near to Ziph, where good king" David 
Fled from Saul when sorel}^ hunted, 
Stands the prophet of the Highest, 
John the Baptist. For his clothing, 
Camel's hair and leathern girdle ; 
And his food is of the simplest, 
Carob pods and hone3^ gathered 
From the haunt of wild bees near him. 

1 vSam. 23:14. Matt. 3 : 4. 



Many people crowd around him 
From the city of Jerusalem 
And tlie region of the Jordan, 
Listening to his words of warning, 
As he preaches to the people. 

Matt. 3 : 5. 



Priests and rulers scowl upon him 

As he cries in language scathing, — 

Generation of the vipers, 

Who hath warned you of your danger ? 

Do not think because of office, 

Or the honors heaped upon you, 

You shall miss the retribution 

Visited upon the sinner. 

Bring forth fruit of true repentance, 



5-1 THE MYSTERY 

Say not, Abraiii is 3^onr father. 
Only tliose are Abiani's children 
Who will do tlie deeds of A])ram " 

Matt. 3 : 17,18. Jno. 8 : 39. 

Thk Baptism 
Jesus comes to John's baptism, 
Comes and is baptized in Jordan. 
As he rises from the water, 
And kneels down upon the margin, 
Suddenly the gales of heaven 
Stand ajar, and from the i)Oitals, 
Ld<fc a dove of brightest glory, 
Falls the Holy Ghost upon him ; 
And a voice like sweetest music 
Thiills the heart of those who listen. 
'Tis my Son, my Well Beloved, 
I am pleased with His o])t.^dience." 

Miilt. 3: 13-17. 

The Mount of Temptation 
From the brighlness and the gladness, 
Fioiii the F.ither's voice approving, 
From Hi> friends and earthly kindred, 
From Ihe light and smile of heaven, 
To the wilderness of Judah, 
To the wild beasts and the desert, 
'I'o the fierce assaults of vSatan, 
SiraigiUCV'ay doth the vSpirit drive Him 



THE MYSTERY 5^ 

FiKvST Temptation 
After fort}/ days of wrestling, 
Forty days of agonizing, 
During which he tasted nothing, 
He is afterward an hungered. 
Satan then, to lake advantage 
Of his pitiful condition, 
Offers his suggestion subtile. 
How to prove Himself Messiah. 
' If thou be the Son, provide thee 
Food so needful now to strengthen 
And sustain thy weakened body." 
Jesus answers, " It is written, 
Bread alone may not be eaten. 
But all words the Father speakelh 
Are to be the food of mortals." 

Matt. 4: 2-4. 



Second Temptation 
Borne by Satan to the temple, 
On a pinnacle protruding, 
Placed in perilous position, 
Jesus stands and meekly listens 
To the whispers of the demon. 
"If thou be," again he whispers, 
" If thou be Jehovah's ()fTs))rin^, 

Cast thyself from this place headlong. 
Harm would nevei be permitted. 



56 THE MYSTERY 

For the angels, walcbiiig o'er thee, 
Will iiphoM and safel}' bear thee 
To a place of perfect safety." 

Matt. 4 : 4-6. 

" It is written," meekly answers 
Jesus to the fiend's suggestion, 
" Thou shalt not tempt God, thy Master 

Matt. 4: 7. Dent. 6: 16. 



Interlude 
. Angels are watching the conflict. One, 
speaking- to his fellow, says — 
' O, what a struggle is this for the mastery ! 
Watch our blest ^Sovereign in conflict below. 
O, what a crisis in Earth's bitter history ! 
Gladly to aid him, all heaven would go. 

O, how he meets all the base, scornful mockery! 
O, with what meekness, yet infinite power 
Conquors He now and obtaineth the victory ! 
Satan's destruction begins from this hour. 

Look ! look again ! in that terrible wilderness 
Lucifer now the fierce battle renews. 
Lost from his heart is all vestage of tenderness, 
'Tis only his purpose to hurt and abuse." 



THE MYSTERY 



57 




7 his is 1)1 i lie, and I 2vill Q;ive it 



58 . THE MYSTERY 

Foiled again, but once more trying 
Satan takes him to a mountain, 
There unro-lls the panorama 
Of all earlhly states and kingdoms. 
And I be vSaviour lie addresses, — 
■' Tiiis is niine, and I will give it 
Unto thee without a struggle, 
Only tiioiT shah here acknowledge 
Tliat r am tlie rightful sovereign. 
Worship me, and in a moment 
All this glory shall be given." 

Matt. 4:8,9. 

To this speech the Saviour answers, — 
" Satan, do thou get behind me. 
It is writlen in the Scripture, 
God alone shall have thy worship, 
Only give to Him thy service." 
Faints the Son of God from weakness 
And His superhuman efforts, 
But an angel quickly flying, 
Stiengthens and sustain the Master. 

Matt. 4: 10, 11. 

Thus the Saviour meets and conquors 
Adam's conqueror ; fights the battle, 
Fights and wins where Adam faltered, 
Thus becomes the second Adam. 



THE MYSTERY 59 

It is written," is the secret 

Of His power to meet temptation. 

1 Cor. 15 : 47 . Matt. 4: 4. 7, 10- 



Day S, and weelss, and months are passing. 

Passing- by in quick succession. 

His disciples He has chosen, 

Sent them forth to teach and strenRtheii. 

And they go at His direction, 

Preaching- as they go, and healing. 

]Mark 3:14. 

Scribes and doctors fear and hate Him, 
For his words of truth reprove them. 
But the common people hear him 
Gladly, for they see He loves them. 

Jno. 3: 19, Mark 12: 37. 

These are days of mighty conflict. 

Conflict with the Jewish rulers. 

Men of iron will and purpose. 

Guided by the prince of darkness, 

They have set their snares to catch Him. 

And they watch His every movement. 

They behold His loving kindness, 



60 THE MYSTERY 

See Him heal the loathsome leper. 
Open eyes that have been blinded, 
Cure the deaf, the paralytic. 
Every form of fearful fever 
Yields before His blessed presence. 
Storms are quelled, and devils driven 
From poor demon-darkened victims. 
Even death yields his dominion, 
And acknowledges the Master. 

Jiio. 11. 53, Markl:40, 10: 49, 7:32, 4:39, 5:8, 
Matt. 8 : 15. Jiio. 5:8, 11 : 43. 

Thus the time is swiftly flying. 
Every day is filled with working. 
For the night comes swiftly onward. 
When the time for work is ended. 

Jno. 9 : 4. 

And while men are wrapt in slumber, 
From their toils and pains are resting, 
When all natiue hushed, and silent. 
Ceases from the day's endeavor, 
Jesus seeks the lonely moiuitain, 
There pours forth His heart in prayer, 
Prays for His dear erring children 
And the darkened world about Him. 

Jno. 8:1. 



THE MYSTERY 61 

The Closing: Days 

Prelude 
As the curtam once more rises, 
We behold tlie Wessed Master 
In an earnest conversation 
With His hand of dear disciples. 
They are moving slowly southward 
Toward the city of Jerusalem. 
And their hearts are filled with sadness, 
For He lells them He is going 
Where the rulers will reject Him, 
Persecute, and harm, and hurt Him, 
And at last will crucify Him, 

Matt. 20: 17-19. 

Three full years and six months passing. 
Have completed now the period 
Once preilicted l)y the angel. 
Speaking to the prophet Daniel. 
Seventy weeks are now determined, 
Or cut off U]wn thy people, 
Time to finish their transgression. 
In this period will be given ; 
And the Christ, the true Messiah 
End of sins will make for mortals, 
And anoint the blest Most Holy. 
Seven weeks, three-score and two weeks 
From the issue of commaiulment 



62 THE MYSTERY 

For the building of Jerusalem, 
Shall elapse l>efore Messiah, 
Coining, shall be niaifested, 
• And shall die to save His people, 
In the last week of the seventy, 
In the midst of this the seventieth. 

Dan. 9:24. 25. 27. 



Facing nqw, the solemn moment 
Crisis of the plan of ages, 
Jesus teaches His disciples. 



The Triumphal Entry 
Jerusalem strong, and grand, and bright, 

Resplendent with its walls of white, 
The sunshine, shimmering like a shower 

O'er dome, and spire, and temple tower 

Ps, 48: 2. 

Outside the city's sight and sound 

Is Jesus by the j)eople found. 
With His disciples near His side 

He starts on His triumphal ride. 

Matt. 21 : 27. 



THE MYSTERY 63 

Full many a triiinipli lias there been 
In this dark world of death and sin. 

Full many a king has brot from far 
His captive slaves to draw his car. 



But here no prisoner's sighs and tears 
Are heard or seen. There are no fears, 

For thus the Prince of Righteousne.*-s 
Rides forth to comfort, heal, and bless. 

Isa. 52:9, Jer. 23:6. 

Here walk the men who have been lame, 
And publish by their strength His fame. 

Here, Lazarus, lately from the grave, 
Extols the Master's power to save. 

Jno. 11 : 44. 

Here eyes that see, but once were blind, 
Look on that face so mild and kind, 

Demoniacs, set free from shame, 

With grateful hearts extol His name. 

Mark 10 : 52. 5 : 15. 

While after, and before, there go 
Full many a man relieved of woe. — 

The lepers cleansed, the deaf who hear, 
The dumb who speak in accents clear. 

Mark 1 : 40, 9 : 14. 



64 THE MYSTERY 

Hosainiah to our Lord and king ! 

Glad praises to our Prince we bring ! 
Hosannah now to David\s Son ! 

King David's reign is now begun ! 

Matt. 21 : 9. 

These are the cries that loudl}^ sound 
From far and near and all around. 

The sound increases more and more. 
The shouting swells into a roar. 

Ps. 118 : 26. 



Palm 1)ranches, waving to and fro, 
The garments spread on which to go. 

And every means they can employ, 
The people use to show their joy. 

Matt. 21:8. 

And now the vast concourse is still, 
As Jesus pauses on the hill, 

And views the beautious picture o'er, 
As he has done oft-times before. 

But look ! The Master is in tears ! 

The people pause, \\itl) rising fears. 
Hushed every sound. And every \^old 

Of Jesus' trembling voice is heard. 

I.nke 19: 41. 



THE MYSTERY 65 

His body sways with grief repressed, 
His sorrow is with sobs expressed, 

He cries in anguish, '* Hads't thou known — 
But now thy day of grace is gone, — 

Jer. 8:20. 

The things belonging to thy peace, 
They would have given thee release ; 

But now they're hidden from thine eyes; 
It cannot now be otherwise." 

Luke 19:42. 

Subdued and awed, the people hear 
His stifled sobs, and see his tears. 

But why He sorrows o'er the land, 
They do but dimly understand. 

I,uke 10.22. 



The lyORD's Great Prophecy 
The disciples call attention to the great stones 

of the temple. 
' ' Behold these stones how great they are ! 
By Herod they were brot from far. 
He helped to build and beautify 

This temple, towering toward the sky.' 

l,uke 21:5. 



66 THE MYSTERY 

Jesus replies 
" Ah yes, altho this temple grand 

Seems now so staunch, it shall not stand 
These walls shall totter to the ground, 
Nor stone be on his fellow found." 

Luke 21:6. 

Astonished, the disciples enquire 
"Tell us when these things shall be. 
What signs or portents shall we see 
By which to know the day and hour 
When, coming in thy pomp and power. 



''Thy voice to all the earth shall call. 
And cause all massive things to fall. 
Till then this house must surely stand. 
The joy and pride of every land.'* 

Matt. 24:3. 

Jesus replies 
" Take heed that men do not deceive, 
Or you some pleasing lie believe. 
Deceivers many shall there be. 

They'll come and say, ' Lo, I am he 

Matt. 24:5. 

*' Of whom the holy men have told, 
Who prophecied in days of old.' 
Do not believe them, even tho 

They many signs and wonders show. 



THE MYSTERY 67 

When they shall say ' ho here, lo there.' 
Of all their specious signs l)e\\are. 

To secret chambers do not go^ 

Nor deserl lands; but surel}' know 

Matt. 24:23. 

That when at last from God I come 
To call my faithful servants home, 

Like lightning in the heaven 'twill be. 
And every e} e shall supely see. 



If Daniel's prophecy you read 
And, understanding, shall take heed 

You need not doul)t, but surely know 
The temple's time of overthrow. 

Matt. 24:15. 

When alien armies 3^ou shall see 
In place where they ought not to be. 

The temple's fall will then be near, 
Jerusalem's overthrow be here. 

Ivuke 21:20. 

' Then make all haste to flee away ; 
To get thy garment do not stay ; 
Escape for life beyond the v;all, 
For soon the city is to fall. 

Matt. 24:1S. 



68 THE MYSTERY 

"Great tril)iilatioii, sharp, severe, 

Shall come upon the remnant here. 
And many of the church shall fall 
By fire, or sword, or prison wall. 



"Now, brother shall his brother slay, 
The father shall the child betray, 
The mother shall the daughter kill. 
And think she's doing heaven's will. 

I.uke 21:16. 

' When these dread days are done at last, 
Or when the tribulation's past, 
'Tis then the signs in heaven I'll send 
As portents of the coming end. 

Mark 13:24. 

" The sun and moon shall darkened be, 
The moon, tho full, they shall not see; 
And then— the crowning sign of all — 
The stars from heaven like figs shall fall. 

Matt. 24:29. 

'As men who watch the passing year 

Know by the buds that summer's near, 
So, likewise, when all these you see, 
Look up, for soon the end shall be. 

Matt. 24:33. 



THE MYSTERY 69 

This generation shall not pass 
Who see of all these signs the last, 
Until the mystery shall be done. 
Until the Son of Man be come." 

Matt. 24 : 34. 



The Washing 
in an upper room are gathered 
Jesns and the twelve apostles. 
They are met to eat the supper, 
Last one ever to be eaten 
By the Saviour ere he suffers. 

Mark 14 : 15. I^uke 22 : 15. 16. 

There is water in a pitcher, 
And a basin standing near it. 
The disciples all are seated. 
But there falls an awkward silence, 
For, before the meal is eaten, 
There must be the usual washing. 

Manifestly, they are waiting, 
Waiting each one for another 
To perform the menial service ; 
Each is in his heart determined 
Not to help or serve the others. 
Suddenly the Saviour rises, 
Lays aside His outer garment, 



70 THE MYSTERY 

# 

Girds Himself, pours out the water, 
And begins the lowly service 
Spurned by the poor, proud disciples. 

I,uke9:46. Jno. 13:4. 

Now their hearts are moved within them 
Now they see their selfish actions 
In the light of Christ's example. 
With confusion they" are covered, 
As, with shame, they see the Master 
Take the humble place of ser\'ant. 
Peter cries, "Lord, thou shalt never 
Wash my feet ! The Lord makes answer, 
If I wash thee not, forever 
Thou art separated from me. 

Jno. 13 : 8. 

Thus the Saviour teaches to them 
The true dignity of service. 
Thus He presses home the lesson 
Of humilit3' upon them. 

Rising from the posture humble, 

Jesus says to His disciples, 

"Ye do call me Lord and Master, 

And these names are rightly given. 

For I am indeed your leader. 

If I then your Lord and Master 

Wash the feet of my disciples, 



THE MYSTERY 71 

Each one of you then ought likewise 
To be servant to the others. 
If ye then know of my teachings, 
Happy are ye if ye do them. 

Jno. 13:14. 



The Communion 
Jesus next takes bread and breaks it, 
Breaks, and gives to the disciples, 
Saying, "Eat; this is my body, 
Broken for the sake of sinners." 
Next He gives the wine among them, 
Saying to them, "drink ye of it, 
For it is a fitting symbol 
Of my blood to be spilt for you." 

Mark 14: 22,23. 

At the supper, as they linger, 
Tenderly the Saviour tells them 
That the hour is now upon them ; 
One of them will soon betray Him. 
Then, as Judas rises quickly. 
Rushing madly from the presence 
Of the One who lately washed him, 
Jesus calls with anguish to him, 
What thou doest, do it quickly." 

Jno. 13: 27, Matt. 26:21. 



72 THE MYSTERY 

Judas gone, the Saviour's spirits 
Rise again, and He continues, — 
"la new coniniandnient give you. 
As I've loved, love one another. 
All men thus shall surely know you, 
That you are my true disci) )les. 

Jn o. 13: 34. 

I am soon to go and leave you, 
But let not your hearts be trou1)led, 
For, as surely as the Father 
Lives in heaven, just so surely 
Will I do the thing I promise. 
In my Father's house in glory, 
Many mansions are in waiting, 
And I go to get them ready. 
Then when all the preparation 
Has been made, I will not tarry, 
But, returning, will receive you, 
And where I am, you shall be also.*' 

Jno. 14: 1-3. 



Thus the Saviour talks and teaches, 
Comforting their hearts from sorrow ; 
And, as night has fallen o'er them, 
Quietly He gives commandment, 
" Rise, and let us hence be going." 

Jno. 14:31. 



THE MYSTERY 73 

Gkthsemane 
See the Saviour bending low. 

Prostrate, 'nealli His weight of woe. 
Writhes and bends His blessed fornj 

Like a reed before the storm. 

Matt- 26 : 38. 

Hear Him now in anguish pray, 

Father, take this cup away. 
Yet thy will be done, not mine, 

Tho thou slay me, I am thine/' 

I^ke 22 : 42. 

Poor disciples, dull with sleep, 

Do but ill their vigil keep. 
Rest they calmly, when they might 

Aid the Master in His fight. 

IvUke 22 : 45. 

Three times o'er the Son of God 

Prostrate falls upon the sod ; 
Trembles in His hand the cup ; 

Will He, can He drink it up ? 

I^uke 22 : 42. 

Weep the garden shrul^s with dew, 
Hides the moon her face from view, 

Falls His sweat like drops of rain. 
Wrung from Him by bitter pain. 

Ivuke 22 : 44. 



74 THE MYSTERY 

Crushed and broken, sinks He down. 
For He feels His father's frown, — 

Feels the weight of guilt and woe, 
Which at last the lost shall know. 

Isa. 53:4- 

Sobbing, fainting, dying, He 
Not a ray of hope can see ;. 

But an angel from the skies 
Hastens to Him as He lies, 

Dan. 9 : 21. 

Buoys the royal Sufferer up, 

Gives Him help to drink the cup. 

Wipes away the bloody sweat, 
Strengthens for what follows yet. 

Luke 22 : 43. 

Coming to the sleeping men, 
Jesus speaks to them again, 
" Sleep on now and take your rest, 

Your poor eyes are slum])er-pressed." 

Matt. 26 : 45. 

Hark ! What sound breaks on the ear? 

Mobs of men are moving near. 
Flickering, flaming torches show 

Shades fantastic as they go. 

Matt. 26 : 47. 



THE MYSTERY 75 

Jesus moves to meet the crowd ; 

Plain, distinct, tho not o'er loud, 
He enquires, '* Whom seek ye here? " 

And the cliief priests, drawing near, 

Jn-o. 18:4. 

Make reply, " The Nazarine; 

In this garden He's been seen." 
Jesus answers, " I am He, 

Pray what would you have of me?'' 

Jno. 18 : 5. 

Backward to the ground they fall, 
Priests and rabbis, soldiers, — all 

Prostrate there upon the sod, 
Smitten by the hand of God. 

Jno. 18 : 6. 

Jesus stands unmoved, serene ; 

Not a sign of fear is seen 
On his pure and noble face. 

Calmly waits He in His place. 

Jno. 18 : 8. 

But they rise ; and are once more 
Fierce, blood-thirsty, as before. 

Eager as a beast of prey 

Is the helpless fawn to slay. 

Jno. 18 : 12. 



76 



THE MYSTERY 



Judas is among- the throng. 

He lias yielded to the wrong. 
Hail ! Dear Master," now he cries, 

Kisses Christ before their eyes. 

Matt. 26 : 49. 




" A'/ss6's Chris t before their eyes " 

Judas, is a kiss the way 

You your Master would betray ? ' 
Jesus' kind tho cutting word, 

By the clamoring crowd is heard, 

I^uke 22 :: 48.. 



THE MYSTERY 77 

If ye seek me as ye say, 

Let these men now go their way," 
Jesus says, with loving care 

For His followers trembling there. 

Jno. 18 : 18. 

Peter grasps anew his sword, 
He will now defend his Lord, 
*' I'll prove my words were true," thinks he, 
'' When I said, 'I'll die for Thee.' " 

Mark 14:31. 

/es7is Says^ — 
" Peter, now put up thy sword. 

Do you not recall the word, 
" They that take the sword at all, 

By the self-same sword must fall?" 

Matt. 26:52. 

Peter is offended, quite. 

When for Jesus he would fight, 
'Tis too much, he thinks, that he 
Should rebuked and humbled be. 

Matt. 26 : 33. 

Peter soliloq^iizeSy — 
*' No use now ; the dream is o'er ; 
I for Him can fight no more ; 
Nothing else is left for me : 
With the others I must flee." 

Mark 14:50. 



78 THE MYSTERY 

Now these men bind Jesus fast ; 

Now He is secure at last ; 
Now away He's quickly lead ; 

Now his followers all are fled. 

Jno. 18:12-13. 



The Sanhedrim 
Priests and elders, scribes and rabbis, 
Members of the Jew's Sanhedrim, 
Are assembled in the palace. 
Nicodemus is not present, 
Nor is Joseph in the council, 
For it is well known among- them 
That these men are friends to Jesus. 

I^uke 23:51. 

Stealthily, with studied quiet, 
Move about the anxious watchers. 
For they're bent on deeds of darkness. 
Hither come the Roman soldiers, 
Leading Jesus as a captive, 
And the shameful farce commences. 

Jno. 8 :40. 

Men are sought to bear false witness, 
Tint, tho olentv would be willing 



THE MYSTERY 79 

For reward, themselves to perjure, 
None are found whose story tallies 
With the tales told by the others. 

Mark 14:55. 

Two men are at last presented 
Who declare that in their presence 
Jesus said that He is able 
To destroy the Jewish temple, 
And in three short days rebuild it. 

Matt. 26:61. 

To these false, malicious charges 
Jesus deigns to answer nothing : 
But when Caiaphas, the high priest, 
Lifts his hand in adjuration, 
And demands that Jesus tell him 
If He is the Lord's Messiah, 
Jesus answers, — " Thou hast said it, 
Aiid hereafter, you shall see me 
Seated on the throne of power, 
Coming in the clouds of heaven." 

Matt. 26:63-64. 

Caiaphas pretends great horror, 
Rends his priestly outer garment. 
And declares, — "The man is guilty, 
Blasphemy His lips have spoken. 
Hearing this, what is your sentence?" 



80 THE MYSTERY 

In one voice the council answers, 
"He of death is proven worthy." 



Abuse 
Gladly would we turn our eyes 
From the scenes that now arise. 
When the crowd the sentence hears. 
All restraint or secret fears 

Isa. 53 : 3. 

Seem forg^otten. Satan then, 
Moving on the minds of men, 
Makes them in his work engage. 
Fills with fierceness, hate, and rage. 

Jno. 8 : 44. 

See! They smite Him as He stands, 
Buffet Him with impious hands, 
Mock Him, saying, ''Prophecy, 
Tell who smote thee." By and by 

Matt. 26:68. 

One poor wretch spits in His face, 
And from all about the place, 
Rising to a roar, is sent 
Devilish shouts of merriment. 

Matt. 26:67. 




Devilish shouts of merriment'' 



82 THK MYSTERY 

Pktkk's Deniai, 
Peter stands and trembles nigh, 
Hopes and wishes, wonders why 
Jesus does not use His power 
For relief in this dread hour. 

Isa. 53:7. 

He can not but sympathize, 
Tho to hide himself he tries. 
Eut the maid who keeps the door 
Says, — "I've seen this man before. 

Mark. 14:67. 

"He with Christ of Galilee 
Was; I'm sure that this is he." 
Peter says, — "l do not know 
What you say. It is not so." 

Mark 14:68. 

Soon another points him out. 
As he saunters round about ; 
He denies the charge once more. 
As he had denied before. 

Mark. 14:69. 

Now another speaks again 
Saying," — you are one of them. 
Plain it is for all to see, 
For thy speech bewrayeth thee.'* 

Matt. 26:73. 



THE MYSTERY 83 

Peter, filled with frenzied fear 
Of the rabble standing near, 
Now begins to curse and swear, 
Heedless of the Master there. 

Matt. 26:74. 

Jesus hears with grieved surprise, 
Turns and looks with saddened eyes. 
Peter sees the glance ; and then 
Memory quick recalls again 

Ivuke 22 : 61 

How a few short hours before 
He had said, — and felt so sure, — 
' Tho all men may Thee forsake, 
Yet will I no mis-step make. 

Mark 14:29. 

I will serve Thee while I've breath. 
Follow Thee to pain or death. 
Where Thou goest, I will go, 
Share with Thee Thy weal or woe. ' ' 

IvUke 22:33. 

Poor disciple ! Now his fears 
Give away to grief and tears. 
Can he in this dire disgrace 
E'er his fellow- followers face ? 

Ps. 73:2. 



84 



THE MYSTERY 



Filled willi grief, his heart overflows. 
Fortli into the night he goes, 
Dark Gethseniane he seeks, 
Bitterly, alone, he \veei)S. 

Mark 14:72 




Lifts his ha j id in adjuration^ 



Bkfoke Pilatk 
Now the light of morn advances, 
And the chief priests, scribes, and elders, 
Keeping, still, the form of justice, 



THE MYSTERY 85 

(Tho ill Zioii's streets she's fallen, 
Equity can never enter,) 
Come to hold a daylight counsel 
To confirm the night's proceedings ; 
Then to hasten to the governor 
Of the province, Pontus Pilate. 

Isa. 59:14. 

Worn with bitter grief and anguish, 
Pale from hours of anxious wrestling 
Witli the iiowers of outer darkness, 
But with firm and God-like bearing, 
Jesus stands before the rulers. 

Mark 15:1. 

Pilate looks and sees before him 
Not a face o'er-spread with evil, 
IvOwering brow, and glance Satanic, 
But a man of noble presence. 
Eyes which, looking calmly on him, 
Seem to search the very secrets 
Of each thot, or plan, or purpose. 

I,uke 23:4. 

Chief priest, scribes, and Jewish elders, 
Stand to hear the confirmation 
Given by the Roman ruler 
Of their predetermined sentence. 
They are much annoyed when Pilate 



86 THE MYSTERY 

Asks them for the charge against Him. 
They had hoped for condemnation 
Speedily, withont a hearing. 

Jno. 18:29. 

Now their looks show consternation, 

For they do not wish that Pilate 

Should begin examination, 

Least the facts should be developed. 

Jesus' tender works of mercy, 

Such as casting out of devils. 

Healing of the loathsome lepers, 

Restoration of the palsied, 

Or the many blind eyes opened. 

They would keep from being mentioned. 

Eze. 22:25-30. 

*' Had this Man not been found guilty 
We would not have brot Him to you," 
They reply. By this suggesting 
That the thing now necessary 
Is alone the confirmation 
Of the sentence passed already. 

Jno. 18:30. 

Pilate is perplexed and troubled. 
Well he knows the Jewish leaders 
Have delivered Him for envy. 
** Tell what crime He hath committed 
Ere I shall confirm your sentence," 



THE MYSTERY 87 

He demands, and hopes for failure ; 
Hopes that they will not be able 
Witnesses to find against Him. 

Matt. 27 : 18. 

We have found this fellow guilty," 
They reply, " of teaching treason, 
Saying He is king of Judah, 
Thus perverting all the nation, 
And the tribute tax forbidding." 

IvUke 23: 2. 

Art thou then the king of Judah, ' ' 
Pilate asks, addressing Jesus. 
Quick, a flash of heavenly glory 
Lights His face. He plainly answers, 
With a tone that thrills, "Thou sayest it." 

I^uke 23: 3. 

Caiaphas and his abettors 
Call the governor to witness 
That the charge has been admitted ; 
And they clamor that the sentence, 
Made and passed by the Sanhedrim, 
Shall be given confirmation. 

Ivuke 23: 5. 

Far into the street, the rabble, 
Taking pattern from the elders. 
Shout, demanding condemnation, 

IvUke 23: 23. 



88 THE MYSTERY 

Leading Christ into the castle, 
Where they ma}^ converse in quiet, 
Pilate sa3^s, — " I pray thee tell me, 
What is this they say against thee? 
Art thou king, as they have stated ?" 

Jno. 18: 33. 

Jesus says, — 
" Tell Me why you ask the question, 
Whether of your own volition, 
Or because of accusations 
That these men have lodged against Me. 

Jno. ]8: 34. 

Pilate replies, — 
I am not a Jew. Your nation, 
E'en the leaders of your people 
Are demanding" condemnation. 
Give a word of explanation 
That would be excuse to save you." 

Jno. 18: 35. 

*' Tho I truly have a kingdom, 
Christ replies, ** it is not earthly. 
If it were, I'd have my servants 
Fighting, that these Roman legions 
Should not hold me here before thee." 

Jno. 18: 36. 

" Then you are a king?" says Pilate. 

Jno. 18:37. 



THE MYSTERY 89 

Yes, 1113^ birth was for this purpose. 
As 3'Oii say, I have a kingdom ; 
All who hear the truth are subjects, 
And they move without compulsion. 
As I tell the truth, they listen, 
For they love the truth and live it." 
Jesus thus explains His mission, 
Clearly shows that from His kingdom 
There need ])e no fear of fighting. 
No seditious, fierce uprisings. 

Jno. 18 : 37. 

What is truth ?" the ruler questions, 
But does not remain to listen, 
So an answer is not given. 
Going forth unto the people 
Who are yet without the castle, 
Pilate says, *' I find Him guiltless 
Of the crime alleged against Him." 

Jno. 18 : 38. 

Now with angry cries incessant 
All demand that He be punished. 
He hath stirred up all the people 
Thruout all the coasts of Jewry 
From the Galilean borders 
Even to this very city." 

Luke 23 : 5. 



90 THE MYSTERY 

Pilate quickly turns and asks them, 
" Is this Man a Galilean ? 
Then the Galilean ruler 
Is the one to render judgment. 
Unto Herod I shall send Him." 

I^uke 23 : 6. 

Before Herod 
Meekly the Saviour permits the mad throng, 
Cursing, blaspheming, to lead Him along. 
Into the presence of Herod the king, 
Jesus the Saviour they l)oistrously Ijring. 

I^uke 23 : 7. 

Herod is gratified. " Pilate has shown 
Proper respect for me and my throne," 
Thinks the vain king, as the soldiers appear, 
Leading the Saviour. The accusers draw near. 

Matt. 20:25. 

Herod but little attention bestows 
On their petition ; for full well he knows 
How they are jealous for prestige and praise ; 
Having dealt with them, he knows of their ways. 

He is a man long experienced in sin ; 
Bloody the deeds that his hands have been in ; 
Long he has tampered with Sin's filthy cup ; 
Down to the dregs he has drunken it up. 

Matt. 14 : 3-12. 



THE MYSTERY 91 

Now he begins by demanding a sign, — 
Healing the sick, or restoring the blind. 
Saying to Jesus, " Of you I have heard ; 
Now you may save your own life by a word. 

Matt. 16 : I. 

Work here a miracle, showing your power ; 
Heal this ])lind man, and you're free from this hour; 
Give perfect strength to this man who is lame, 
Then I shall know that you are what you claim." 

I,uke 23 : 8. 

Jesus replies by not even a word. 

Gives not a sign that would show He had heard. 

He is not here to exhibit His power 

Just to amuse a king's court for an hour. 

I,uke 23 : 9. 

Herod had hearkened and trembled with fright, 
Feared as the Baptist had shown him the right, 
Harkened and trembled, but failed to obey. 
Now no more light shall illumine his way. 

Matt. 14 : 1-10. 



Herod says to Jesus, — 
** Do you then dare to ignore my demand ? 
Are you so much of a king that you stand 
Looking at me without speaking a word, 
Acting as if my command you'd not heard ? 

Isa. 53 : 7. 



92 THE MYSTERY 

" So you're a king ! Well, I'll teach you that kings 
Look for ol)edience prompt, in all things. 
Here, men ! Come, look at this king of the Jews ! 
Take Him, — for mark you, this king doesn't choose 

Obedience to give to the things tliat I say — 
Robe Him, and crown Him, and lead Him away." 
Great shouts of laughter, discordant and loud, 
Rise from the thoughtless and hard-hearted crowd. 

I,nke 23: n. 

Once Herod feared when of Christ he was told, 
Now in his sin and iniquity bold. 
Dares to make sport of the Saviour of men, 
Mocks Him and sends Him to Pilate again. 

I.uke 23: 12. 

Second Timk Before Pilate 
Herod with his brutal soldiers 
Shamefidly has mocked the Saviour, 
But, tho angry with the Master 
For refusing to obey him, 
Has not ratified the sentence, 
But returned the case to Pilate. 

Pilate is much disappointed. 
He had hoped by sending Jesus 
To the Galilean praetor 
To relieve himself of trouble. 

I.uke 23 : 16. 



THE MYSTERY 93 

As the}' come into his presence, 
Frowning- forth his deep displeasure, 
He addresses them as follows, — 



" Why do yon come again ? What should I do ? 
I have already the case heard all thru, 
Carefully questioned, and no fault can see; 
So, too, has Herod and neither can he." 

I,uke 23 : 15. 



" So, since 'tis custom at this yearly feast 
Some noted prisoner then to release, 
I will chastise Him and let that suffice. 
He has been tried, and found innocent twice. 

I^uke23: 16. 

At the mention of releasin'g, 

All the scribes, and priests, and people 

Seem beside themselves with anger. 

Like the raging of a tempest 

Is the roar of human voices. 

*' Not this man. Release Barabbas," 

Shouts the crowd, and Pilate questions, 

" What shall I then do with Jesus .^ " 

Shrieks the mob with imprications, 
" Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! " 

Matt. 27 : 22. 



94 THE MYSTERY 

Pilate 
'* Wh^^, when He hath done no evil ? ' 

Matt. 27 : 23. 

The Mob 
" Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! ** 

Pilate 
*' Sliall I now as you request me 
Crucify the KiuR of Judah ? " 

Jno. 19:15. 

The Mob 
" We have now no king but Caesar. 
If you let this Man escape you, 
You are not a friend to Caesar." 

Jno. 19: 12. 

Pilate stands with indecision 
Stamped upon his every feature ; 
And the crafty Jewish leaders, 
Quick to note each point of vantage. 
Urge their wish with words vel^ement. 

Jno. 18 : 38. 

Now a messenger appearing, 
Presses thru the surging masses, 
Reaches Pilate's side, and quickly 
Passes him a written letter. 
Pilate reads, turns pale, and trembles ; 
This is what his wife has written, — 



THE MYSTERY 95 

The Letter 
** Pilate, I beg yon have nothing to do 

With that jnsl Man whom the Jews bring to you. 
Much in a dream have I suffered this day, 
Deal with Him justly, O Pilate, I pray! 

'' Jesus I saw in a garden by night, 
Fighting a deep and mysterious fight. 
There had he died but, an angel appeared. 
Strength to impart as the ordeal neared. 

*' Pilate, O Pilate ! I beg you bew^are. 

God in man's guise stands a prisoner there. 

Do not allow these fanatical Jews 

Privilege to deal with this Man as they choose." 

Matt. 27 : 19. 



The Scourging 
Turning to the maddened rabble, 
Pilate lifts his hand for silence. 
And declares, '* I shall release Him 
When the soldiers shall have whipped Him. 

Now they lead the Saviour forward, 
And His back is bared for scourging. 
Wonder, O assembled heavens ! 
Be astonished, O ye people ! 



96 rriE MYSTERY 

For the One l)efore vvlioni angels 
Gladly bowed in adoration, 
Now receives from fallen creatures, 
Blows deserved by those who give them. 

lsa.53: 5-. 

Pilate sends and brings Bara])bas, 
Places there the two together 
That the people may compare them. 
Pilate thinks, *"' They do not know Him ; 
If they see His God-like bearing, 
And compare Him with Barabbas, 
Soon their hearts will melt with pity. 
See ! l)ehold the Man !" says Pilate. 

Jno 19 : 5. 

Like a roar of loudest thunder 
Cry the people, " Crucify Him ! " 
" Why ? " says Pilate, "tell what evil 
Or what sin He hath committed." 
But the multitude continue 
Clamoring for the life of Jesus. 

I,uke23: 21,22. 

In The Judgment Hall Again 
Once more to the hall returning, 
Pilate says again to Jesus, 
" Whence art Thou? " but Jesus answers 
Nothing to the ruler's question. 

Isa. 53:7. 



THE MYSTERY 



97 



' Do 3^ou then refuse to answer? 
I am tr3nng to release you," 
Pilate says; " I've power to do it, 
Or I've power to crucify you." 
Solemnly the Saviour answers, — 

" You could have no power against me 
Were it not from heaven given ; 
Therefore he who gave me to you 
Hath the greater condemnation." 

Jno. 19:9-11. 




" See ! Behold the Man f' says Pilate. 



Pilate is perplexed and troubled. 
So, returning to the people, 
And the judgment seat resuming, 



98 THE MYSTERY 

Cries aloud to all assembled, — 
■' Here, I bring this man before 3^011 
And declare no fault found in Him." 
lyouder yet the noise increases, 
More like beasts than human beings, 
Priests, and elders, and the people, 
Clamor for His condemnation. 

Luke 23:14. 



PiLATR Washes His Hands 
Taking water in a basin, 
Pilate washes there before them, 
Solemnly the while declaring. 
Of His blood I am not guilty." 
With a shriek like angry demons, 
Shout the mob, " His blood be on us, 
And our children's heads forever." 

Matt. 27 : 24, 25. 



Mockery 
Pilate now has signed the sentence, 

Giving Jesus to be slain ; 
And has also set Barabbas 

Free, to go at large again. 

Matt. 27:26. 

Now the common hall is entered, 



THE M-YSTi^RY 99 

And the soldiers all ^o in, 
Leading in the midst the 'Savionr, 
And their mockery begin. 

Matt. 27:27. 

First they strip Him of His garment, 

Place an old robe in its stead, 
Plait a thorny crown and thrust it 

Roughly on His blessed head. 

Matt. 27:28, 29. 

See them bow in mock submission ! 

Hear the cry, " Hail, Judah's king ! " 
See tliem seize the reed and smite Him ! 

See the blood these blows doth bring ! 

Matt. 27:30. 

What a sight for men and angels, 

Worlds afar, and worlds anear, 
As they watch the royal Sufferer 

Winning life for sinners here ! 

Jesus quietly receives it, 

Nor a word of anger speaks 
When the soldiers roughly smite Hinr 

In His face and on His cheek. 

Isa.50:6. 1 Pet. 2: 23. 



.^5?^^^^^?V 



100 THE MYSTERY 

Thk Path to Golgotha 
Now the sad march to Golgotha has come. 
Let all creation with sorrow be dumb. 
See ! The dark cross on His shoulders is placed, — 
Shoulders where marks of the scourging are traced. 

Matt. 27: 31. 

Hid are His followers, frightened and gone. 
Treads He the wine-press forsaken, alone. 
No one to comfort, to whisper of cheer, 
All His disciples are fled in their fear ! 

Matt. 26 : 56. Lsa. 63 : 3. 

Trembling and fainting, He falls in the road. 
Helpless and sickened. He sinks 'neath the load. 
Feebly He rises, and, trembling with pain. 
Essays to carr}^ the burden again. 

Women are watching the pathway along, 
Waiting His coming amid the mad throng, 
And as He stumbles, they break forth in cries 
Tears sympathetic well up from their eyes. 

Tho of His burden they little can know, 
Sobbing from sorrow, their sadness they show. 
Jesus, tho suffering, turns sadly his eyes 
Most kindly upon them, and gently replies, — 

lyuke 23 : 27. 



THE MYSTERY 



101 



Daughters of Zioii, lament not for me, 

Far worse the trouble your children shall see. 

If in a green tree a fire is seen, 

Can there be less in the dry than the green ? " 

r,uke23: 28-31. 




" See I The dark cross on His shoulders is placed.'' 



102 THE MYSTERY 

Now the centurian is iiuich at a loss, — 
No one is willing to cany the cross. 
Rough Roman soldiers stand stolidly nigh, 
Pharisees cruelly taunt Him near by. 

Simon of Cyrene is passing ; and they 
Seize him and force him to pause on his way, 
Turn, and go back with the murderous throng,, 
Bearing the cross of the Saviour along. 

Matt. 27: 32. 

This, tho regarded by all as a shame, 
Leads the Cyrenian to trust in the name 
Of the dear Master. Gain, and not loss, 
Comes to all men in receiving the cross. 

I.ukel4: 27. 



Golgotha 
Sad is the picture now rising to view, 
Sorrowful, dark as the world ever knew. 
Desolate, barren, all rock-ribbed the ground, 
Sterile, forbidding, — no plant-life is found. 

Matt. 27 : 33. 

Hark ! in the distance a murmur we hear, 
Moment by moment the sound is more near, 
Yonder ! they're turning that spur of the hill 
Now the whole top of Golgotha they fill. 



rWE MYSTERY 103 

Pompous, imposing, the elders are here; 
Chief priests and rabbis watch eagerly near ; 
There are the thieves who with Jesus will die ; 
John, the beloved disciple stands nigh. 

IvUke 23 : 32. 

Sharply the officer speaks his command ; 
Instantly soldiers step forth from the band, 
Quickly lay hold on the prisoners there, 
Strip them, and for the ordeal prepare. 

I,uke 23 : 33. 

Wrestle with desperate strength the two men, 
But are o'er-borne by the soldiers, and then 
Jesus, half fainting, and gasping for breath, 
Meek, unresisting, goes forth to His death. 



See ! The dear Saviour is prone on the tree. 
Gone are His garments ; and plainly we see 
Marking His body from shoulder, to hips 
Stripes dark and swollen, from which the blood 
drips. 

Every one quiet ! With hammers in hand, 
Waiting to hear the centurian's command, 
Stand the rough soldiers. The moment has 

come ! 
Let all creation with sorrow be dumb. 



104 



THE MYSTERY 




Nailed to the cross is the crucified One. 



THE MYSTERY 105 

Hark ! The centurian in words short and low. 
Gives the command ; and a sickening blow 
Sounds on the air. Lo tlie dark deed is done ; 
Nailed to the cross is the crucified one. 

I,uke 23 : 33. 

Mary the mother in agony stands, 
Harrowed with horror and wringing her hands. 
Fainting she falls and Oblivion, kind, 
Mercifully hides the dread sight from her mind, 

Jno. 19 : 25. 

Swiftly and roughly the cross is up-reared, 
And thrust in the hollow already prepared. 
Thus the torn hands of the Saviour of men, 
Bleeding and quivering, are mangled again. 

Over His head .Pilate's writing is placed. 
In Hebrew and Latin and Greek it is traced. 
All may the writing decipher who choose, — 
'Tis " Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews." 

Jno. 19: 19. 

Chief priests and elders to Pilate complain, — 
(Tho all their clamor is wdiolly in vain,) 
' Do not write that. This form we would choose, — 

Write that He said, * I am king of the Jews.' " 

Jno. 19:21. 



106 11 IE MYSTERY 

Jeeringly, sneariiigly, mocking-, they cry, 
" He can come down from the cross if He try. 
Come from the cross, and your sufferings relieve. 
If you do so, we will surely believe." 

Mark 15 : 32, I,uke 24 : 35. 

One gleam of happiness lightens the gloom, 
Comforts the Saviour, tho near to the tomb. 
" When thou shalt come in Thy kingdom of love, 
Take me with Thee to Thy mansions above." 

Ivuke 23 : 42. 

Thus .speaks the thief, and directs his sad eyes 
Toward the dear Saviour who gently replies, — 
' Truly as now you do suffer with me, 
So you in Paradise with Me shall be." 

IvUke 23 : 43. 

Standing l)eholding is Mary again, 
For, tho the sight gives her infinite pain. 
She cannot leave Him, but lingering nigh, 
Watches with John who is standing near by. 

Jno. 19 : 26. 

Gently and clearly, He speaks to her there, 
Sweetly His accents ring out on the air ; 
" Woman, my help in your life is now done, 
John will be to you in place of a son." 

Jno. 19 : 26. 



THE MYSTERY 107 

Then, as He tenderly looks upon Jolin, 
Says to bini, " Now that I soon shall l)e j^one. 
Take her and care for her. She shall l)e ihiiic. 
She is thy mother as she has been Mine." 

Jiio. 19 : 27. 



The Death 
A darkness dense is o'er the scene. 
Dark clouds arise and lightnings gleam ; 
For Nature seems to sympathize, 
And thus to show her terror tries. 

Ps. 55 : 4. 

For three long hours these sorrows last, 
But now the trial is almost past ; 
The task, so great, is nearly done ; 
The last fierce struggle now is come. 

Matt. 27 : 45. 

The watchers note His anxious air, 
They see His look of dark dispair, 
They hear His helpless, hopeless cry, 
Kli Lama Sabachthani." 

Matt. 27 : 46. 

The Father's face is hid from Him ! 
His sight of heavenly things is dim ! 
The Father's presence is withdrawn, 
His usual source of help is gone. 

Matt. 27 : 46. 



ms THE MYSTERY 

'Tis finished," now the Saviour cries, 
Then l)ows His sacred head and dies. 
Let angels, and the worlds above. 
Behold the proof of Jesus' love ! 

Jno. 19:30. 



Interlude 
Within the temple's sacred wall 
Strange things today the priest befall. 
An earthquake at the hour of prayer 
Affrights the people gathered there. 

The lamb starts up and runs away, 
The one the priest had meant to slay. 
The temple curtain, rich and rare, 
Is torn to shreds while hanging there. 

Matt. 27 : 51. 

Blind people ! This same curtain, torn, 
Is fitting type of useless form, 
Which, even now is passed away. 
As fades the moon when dawns the day. 

2 Cor. 3 : 10. 

The Christ, our antepast is slain. 
The l)lood of beasts no more again 
Shall for the sins of man atone, 
But now the blood of Christ alone. 



THE MYSTERY 109 

The Burial 
The shades of night are falUng fast ; 
The dismal day is nearly past; 
The soldiers, casting lots, sit by, 
His few heart-broken friends are nigh. 

Jno. 19:24, 25. 

And as they stand and whisper low 
In words betraying direst woe, 
Two rulers of the Jews appear, 
Whereat the group are filled with fear. 

Jno. 19:38,39. 

But soon they see in each a friend. 
'Tis seen these noble men intend 
To care for His poor body bruised. 
All pierced, and mangled, and misused. 

Isa. 52:14. 

With gentle touch, they lower Him. 
Those tender eyes in death are dim, 
The nail-marred feet are now at rest, • 
The torn hands folded on His breast. 

Matt. 27 : 57-59. 

Hard by Golgotha is the grave 
That Joseph thot for self to save. 
To this they bear their precious dead, 
And thus fulfil what prophets said,— 

Matt. 27 : 60. 

'* Altho no violence He has done, 
And tho He is the sinless one, 



110 THE MYSTHRV 

On Him the sins of all are laid, 

And with the rich, His grave is made 




With gentle touch they loiver Him.'" 

The linen cloths, the burial things. 
The spices, Nicodemns brings. 
The women watch the woVk with care. 
And how they place the f^ord, and where. 

Jno. 19 : 39, I^uke 23 : 55. 



THE MYSTERY m 

Up to the door they roll a stone, 
And leave Him in the grave alone. 
At last He rests. 'Tis set of sun. 
The Holy Sal)l)ath is begun. 

Mark 15:46. 



The Visit of the Women 
Very early in the morning 
Of the First day's early dawning 
Come the women with the spices, 
Coming that they may anoint Him. 
As they walk they talk together, 
And remember how they cannot 
Roll the stone from where 'tis lying. 
Looking, as they draw still closer. 
They behold the doorway open. 
And are much perplexed at seeing 
That the sepulcher is empty. 
True, a guard of Roman soldiers 
Had been stationed round about it. 
And the Roman seal had also 
Been placed on it for protection. 

Matt. 27 : 66. 



112 THE MYSTERY 

Puny man ! how weak thy efforts ! 
When the Lord in power arises, 
Soon His enemies are scattered, 

Uike 1 : 51 . 

i\t the door they meet the angel, 

And are much afraid before him, 

But he speaks in words of kindness, — 

Fear ye not, the One you're seeking 

Is not here, for He is risen. 

Go and tell ye His disciples 

That their Master calleth for them." 

Matt. 28 : 6,7. 

Wondrous news ! What joy in telling ! 
Hastening" to the sad disciples, 
Faces lighted up with gladness, 
They declare the wondrous vision. 

Matt. 28 : 8. 



The Resurrection 
As the light of day is breaking. 
There appears a mighty angel, 
Blazing with the light of heaven. 
Like a dead man falls each soldier. 

Matt. 28 : 2-4. 



THE MYSTERY 113 

Rolling back the stone, the angel 
Cries in tones like rolling- thunder, — 
' Jesus, rise, thy Father calls thee." 
And the soldiers are beholding. 
Blanched and drawn with fear then" faces. 
Quickly running to the city, 
They report to priests and elders. 

Matt. 28: U. 

' Do not say that He is risen. 
Say that His disciples stole Him 
While we slept. If any danger 
Threaten, we will speak to Pilate 
And secure you from all danger." 
Thus the elders teach the soldiers, 
Paying them large sums of money 
To report as is suggested. 

Matt. 28 : 13-15. 

They had come with truth to utter 
And a burden to declare it. 
Now with lies that have been taught then' 
They go forth as they are prompted 
Burdened with their falsehood's wages. 

I.sa. 44 : 20. 

From the tomb the Lord emerges 
Conquorer of death and Satan. 
Other graves are also opened 
And the sleeping saints are wakened. 



114 THE MYSTERY 

These are Ihey wlio had l)eeii captive 
But are now released, and taken 
By the Saviour, home to heaven. 
Thus He leads His captives cyptive, 
Thus His gifts bestows, and blessings. 

Matt. 27: 52, 53, Eph. 4:8. 



In The Garden 
Mary of Magdala, walking 
In the garden, sad and lonely, 
Hears a voice behind her, saying, - 
Woman, wherefore art thou weeping? ' 

Jno. 20: 15. 

And to this she answers, sobbing. 
If away from here you've borne Him, 
Tell me whither He is taken." 
Thru her tears she sees but diml>', 
And supposes Him the gardener. 
Jesus gently answers, — " Mary." 

Thrills her heart with strange emotion, 
For it is the voice of Jesus. 
Turning quickly she beholds Him, 
Reaching forth, she cries, " Raboni ! " 



THE MYSTERY 



115 




" Reaching forth, she cries, ' Raboni /' ' 

Joy too deep for words is pictured 
In her upturned face to Jesus. 

Jno. 20 : 16. 



'' Touch me not," the Saviour answers, 



116 THE MYSTERY 

For I have not yet ascended 
To my Father's home in heaven. 
Go and tell unto my brethren 
The glad news of my ascension 
To our common God and Father. 

Jno. 20:17. 



The Women Tell Their Story 
Meanwhile, hasting with their message, 
Come the women. The disciples, 
Sad of face, are yet together 
In the upper room, where often 
They had met and talked with Jesus. 
Disappointment they have suffered, 
They have been distressed and troubled. 
Dark the future looks, and gloomy, 
As the new week dawns upon them. 
They recall how Jesus let them 
Place Him on the beast of burden, 
How with happy hearts and voices 
They had raised the loud Hosannah. 
Only one short week this morning," 
They are saying to each other, 
Since we thot that He would shortly 
Take His throne, the throne of David.*' 

Luke 24:9, Matt. 28:8. 



THE iMYSTERY 117 

Suddenly all ears are startled 
By the voices of the women. 
What is this that they are saying ! 
What new phase of sorrow waits them ? 
Have these women lost their reason 
By the horror of their sorrows ? 
See! Their faces shine with gladness, 
As they cry, — ''The Lord is risen ! 
We have seen a heavenly angel 
Who has told us." John and Peter 
Hurry to the grave, and find it 
Even as the women told it. 

Jno. 20 : 3-6. 

Jesus is indeed departed 
From the tomb. They do not find Him. 
What new sorrow now awaits them ? 
If the body has been taken, 
What may Pilate do about it? 
Will suspicion of abduction 
Rest upon His own disciples ? 
Will the scribes and priests and elders 
Lay the blame upon His followers ? 
Slowly thus the day advances, 
And the soldiers thru the city 
Have declared their falsehood, taught them 
By the crafty priests and elders, — 
*' While we slept, His followers stole Him." 

Matt. 28 : 13. 



118 TillC MYSTERY 

Thp: Walk to Emmaus 
From Jerusalem sixty furlongs 
Live two men, His true disciples.' 
As the afternoon advances, 
They decide to start to Emmaus. 
They have heard the women's story, 
And have also heard the falsehood 
As reported by the soldiers. 
Quietly they leave the city. 
As they walk, they talk together 
Of the dark and gloomy prospect, 
And as they recall the suffering- 
Of their blessed Lord and Master, 
Tears spring to their eyes unbidden. 

I.uke24:13, 14. 

Suddenly a Stranger joins them. 
Whence he came, they had not noticed, 
For their eyes with tears are blinded. 

Iviike 24:15,16. 

" What," enquires the kindly stranger, 
" What this talk you have together 
And are sad ?" To which Cleopas 
Answers briefly, — "You're a stranger 
Or you'd know that things have happened 
Sad enough to give us sorrow." 

I^uke 24:17, 18. 

What things ?" says the Stranger to them. 



THE MYSTERY 



119 




Siiddenly a Stranger joins them. 



120 THE MYSTERY 

Answers Cleopas, '^Concerning: 

Jesus whom we all had trusted 

Had been He to rescue Israel. 

Him our rulers now have taken 

And, delivering Him to Pilate, 

Have by wicked hands destroyed Him. 

Just this morning certain women 

Who are well aquainted with Him 

Have declared that they have s^en Him, 

And that He is resurrected." 

I.uke 24.19-24. 

Then with kindly voice, and gentle, 
Speaks to them their strange Companion, 
And their hearts meanwhile are strangely 
Warmed and thrilled with deep emotion. 
"Slow of heart, and unbelievn'ngj 
Have the prophets not all spoken 
Of these very things transpiring?" 
Then with Moses' books beginning, 
All the prophecies are quoted, 
And from all, the truth expounded ; 
Showing them that Christ 7nust suffer 
To fulfil the words predicted. 
All too soon the journey's ended. 
They have reached their destination. 
At their pressing invitation 
Their Companion tarries with them. 

Luke 24 : 29. 



THE MYSTERY 121 

Joy has lighted up their faces 
Erstwhile sad, perplexed, and frightened ; 
And with eager hearts they listen 
To the words of hope and comfort. 

Soon the frugal meal, is ready, 

xAnd their guest is with them seated. 

Spreading forth His hands in blessing 

To pronounce a benediction. 

He speaks out in tones familiar. 

With a start, their eyes they open^ 

And behold ! it is the Saviour ! 

I.uke 24:30,31. 



The Return to Jerusalem 
Gone is their sorrow, and ended their dreariness, 
Happiness now takes the place of their gloom. 
Vigor and strength is in place of their weariness, 
Jesus has risen and riven the tomb ! 

I,uke 24 : 33. 

Burned not our hearts as He gave explanations ? 
Thrilled not with happy emotions the heart? " 
Such are the frequent and glad exclamations, 
Made as they quickly prepare to depart. 

I,uke 24 : 32. 



122 THE MYSTERY 

Leaving their food on the table nntasted, 
Hasten they forth with the wonderful word. 
Never a moment of time must be wasted, 
Till all their brethren the good news have heard. 

Ivnke24:33. 

Dark is the night, but their hearts are all lighted ; 
Ivong is the road, l)Ut they heed not its length ; 
Now they are bold, where but lately affrighted ; 
Joy speeds their feet, and gives sureness and strength. 

neb. 13: 6. 

As they re-enter, the streets of the city 
Seem to be changed as they look roinid about. 
They were distressed and fit subjects for pity. 
When a few short hours before they went out. , 

Jno. 16 : 20. 

Happy their hearts with a glorious gladness, 

The}^ have a wonderful message to bear. 

Gone is their grief, and their gloom, and their sadness, 

Gone their dejected, dispirited air. 

IvUke 24 : 35. 



Arrivai, of The Two 
The doors are closed because of fear 
Of priest or elder lurking near. 
With voices hushed to whispers low, 
The poor, distressed disciples go. 

Jno. 20 : 19. 



THE MYSTERY 123 

The}^ dare not walk upon the street 
For fear of foe whom they may meet. 
They fear alike to stay at home, 
Lest there their enemies shall come. 

Ps. 14 : 4-7. 

All day have they been sore distressed, 
With fear and disappointment pressed. 
As da^dit^ht now begins to fade, 
The frugal evening meal is made. 

A rap is heard, and each one starts ! 
'Tis plain that fear is in their hearts. 
With voices low, and anxious air, 
They call, inquiring, — " Who is there?" 

A voice outside responds, — '' 'Tis we 
Who lately left your company. 
We've walked to Ennnaus, but returned. 
To tell the blessed news we've learned." 

I,uke 24:35. 

The door is cautiou^ly unbarred 

By him who stands the door to guard. 

They quietly step thru the door, 

And stand among their friends once more. 

Before they left, their tones were sad, 
But now are joyous, full, and glad. 
Their step is light, their faces glow 
With gladness for the news they know. 



124 THE MYSTERY 

Interlude 
With hopes and joys, come sighs and fears. 
Our smiles are not unmixed with tears, 
But there's a God who ruleth all, 
Who notes e'en when the sparrows fall. 

Matt. 10:29. 

He works for us His heavenly phm, 
E'en in the strife of puny man. 
He setteth uj), He overthrows, 
The end from the beginning knows. 

Ps.76:10. 



The Unbelief of The Disciples 
The poor disciples are perplexed, 
But tho with fear and doubt they're vexed, 
The disappointment and distress 
Has made them love their Lord no less. 

Their joys, their sorrows, all have come 
To draw or drive them nearer home. 
The Master notes with tender care 
The griefs and gladness mingled there. 

When o'er the rough and rocky road 
The two disciples quickly strode 
With hasty step and eager mind 
Their brethren they had left, to find, 



THE MYSTERY 125 



'^I^ 



I he unseen Saviour at tlieir side 
Walked with them, all their way to guide; 
And as the door the men passed tluu. 
Unseen, the Saviour entered too. 

J.uke 24 : 36. 

. Cleopas and his fellow tell 
Of what along- the road befell, 
Of how they'd seen His hands and feet. 
Of how He'd sat with them at meat, 

Of how He vanished from their sight, 
Of their return the self-same night, 
Of how their darkness now is past, 
And light has come to them at last. 

Of how their hearts within them burned 
As they tlie Scripture's meaning learned. 
And as they thus the facts declare, 
Behold ! the Saviour standing there ! 

I,uke 24 : 36. 

As His beloved face they view 
He says to them, — " Peace be to you." 
But tho His well known tones they hear; 
They're filled with terror, doubt, and fear. 

I.uke24: 37. 

Bewildered, and uncertain, still 
They cannot yet believe, until 



126 THE MYSTERY 

He shows lo lliein His hands and feet 
And doth before iheni sil and eat, 

Uite 24: 39-43. 

And then are the disciples glad." 
No niurniuring now ; they are not sad. 
The Bridegroom's voice is with them still, 
And the}' i ejoice to do His will. 

Jno. 20: 20. Matt. 9: 15. 

Witii what delight His words tlie^^ hear ! 
Departed all their erstwhile fear ! 
His words make all the dark paths i)lain. 
The Master is with them again. 

Matt. 28 : 10. 

With gentle, i)atitnt, loving skill, 
He shows how all these things fnlfil 
The Scriptures, written long ago, 
Which God had meant for man to know. 

I.uke 24 : 44-46. 



INTERI.UDE 
The Christ's earth-life is almost o'er ; 
He soon will walk with men no more, 
Until with power He comes again, 
As King of kings He comes to reign. 



THE MYSTERY 127 

The Gospkl Commission 
I am now about to leave you ; 
You will now for nie be witness 
Of tlie tilings that I have told you. 
Go and preach to every creature, 
Teaching them to keep tlie sayings, 
Whatsoever I command you. 
As you go, I will be with you 
By the presence of the Spirit, 
Even to the consuniation. 

Matt. 28 : 19,20. 

Tarry ye here in Jerusalem 
Till the promise of the Father 
Shall be poiued in fidlness on you. 
Then begin within the city 
To declare the blessed message, 
And from here into Samaria. 
So, in ever wid'ning- circles, "^ 
Into all the world proclaim it." 
Thus the closing words are spoken, 
Thus He gives the Great Commission 
To His little band of servants, 
As He is about to leave them. 

Acts 1:4-8. 

Lifting- up His hands in blessing, 
He is separated from them. 
And is carried into heaven. 

Luke 24:. SO.. SI. 



128 THE MYSTERY 

Thp: Angel's Promise 
The disciples stand in wonder. 
Altho sad, they do not sorrow, 
For they are not now uncertain. 
And they have the promise given, 
That He never will forsake them. 

Matt. 28 : 20. 

By their side two shining angels 
Come and ask, " Why stand ye gazing 
Thus up to tlie open heavens ? 
This same Jesits, taken from yon, 
Shall return c>s you have seen Him 
Disappearing into heaven." 



They return into the city, 

Filled with jo^^ because the promise 

Gives assurance of His coming. 

Acts 1 : 12, Ivuke 24 : 53. 



Pentacost 
The disciples all are gathered 
In one place for prayer and worship, 
All with one desire united. 
Suddenly the place is shaken 



THE MYSTERY 129 

With a sound of mighty rushing. 
Tongues of fire are seen descending 
And upon the people resting. 

Acts 2:1-3. 

There are gathered at the city 
Men from every clime and country, 
Every nation under heaven, 
And when they are come together, 
They are made to wonder greatly ; 
For they hear the gospel plainly 
Spoken in their native language. 

Acts 2:5-8. 

With great power th' apostles witness 
Of the death and resurrection 
And ascension of the Saviour. 
On that day there are three-thousand 
To the church of Jesus added. 

Acts 2:41. 




130 



THE MYSTERY 




' ' Lifting lip His hands in blessing ' 
Page 127. 



THE MYSTERY 131 

Part III. 

The Glory 
That Should Follow 

Akgumknt 

The scene opens with the world roused to great interest. 
God's providences have brot about a wide-spread inquiry and 
agitation. B3' the figure of an angel flying thru heaven, is 
represented the world-wide message sent b}' the Lord to pre- 
pare a people for the closing of the gospel and the restoration 
of all things. 

Explanation is given as to why the controvers}- rages about 
the Sabbath question. 

The work of God is finished by the cooperation of men and 
angels. Wicked men persecute the saints of God, but are not 
permitted to overcome them. 

Probation closes, and the fearful scenes of a world without 
an intercessor are experienced. The famine for the word 
is upon the inhabitants of earth. 

Suddenly, the sign of the Son of Man is seen, and Christ is 
revealed, coming in the clouds of heaven. As Jesus descends 
to earth He sends his angels to bring forth the righteous dead. 
They come forth, clad in immortality, and are united with 
Christ and their saved earth-friends. 

The righteous are taken to heaven, and Satan is bound a 
thousand years in the earth. 

At the end of the millenium the earth is revisited by Jesus 
and the saints, and the New Jerusalem comes down from God 
out of heaven. 



132 THE MYSTERY 

The wicked are resurrected and, with Satan at their head,, 
go forth to conquor the city. Fire descends from God and 
consumes them. Thus all sin is eradicated from the earth. 

Then is fulfilled the promises to the fathers ; then the re- 
sults of Christ's sacrifice are fully grasped and understood. 

The scene closes with a view of the earth restored, and the 
saved triumphant in the security of the love of God. 

InTERIvUDK 
Our curtain rises on a view 
Of increased knowledg-e breaking- thru 
The darkness and the mist of years, 
And light upon the world appears. 
Near nineteen-hundred years are past 
Since the events we noticed last, — 
Years filled with triumphs and defeats. 
With counter-marches and retreats. 
The long dark ages are past by, 
The morning dawn illumes the sky. 
Earth's night of crime is almost o'er, 
Sin soon shall soil the world no more. 

Dan, 12:4. 



The Three-foIvD Message 
As Satan in the ages past 
Has tried to hold his servants fast, 
So still he tries with fiendish plan 
To hide God's truth from every man. 



THE MYSTERY 133 

A message to the world must go, 
All kindreds, nations, tongues, must know. 
The word of God must sound with power, 
Proclaiming God's great judgment hour. 

Rev. 14:6, 7. 

And as the closing time draws near, 
The world is warned the Lord to fear. 
And worship him who made the earth, 
And gave to all creation birth. 

1 Kings 18 : 21. 

It sounds with power, but few give heed ; 
Tho dark the hour, and dire the need. 
A second, and a third, are given, 
To turn men's eyes from earth to heaven. 

Rev. 14:8-12. 



This message, world-wide in extent, 
A threat' ning from the Lord is sent, — 
A warning word to all mankind 
Who would Jehovah's favor find. 

But why the conflict ? Why this war ? 
What is the controversy for ? 
And who and where the warring powers? 
And what the part that now is ours ? 



134 THE MYSTERY 

To which in brief is made reply, — 
It is the devil's plan to try 
To win and keep if he but can, 
The services of every man. 

The conflict is, and e'er has been 
Between the powers of truth and sin ; 
God's peace, and love, and power to bless, 
Antagonized by selfishness. 

Creation is God's voice to man. 
'Tis thus He wills to speak, and can 
To all who turn a willing ear. 
The gentle, loving voice to hear. 

Ps. 19:1. 

But, that creation may be known 
To be the work of God alone, 
Jehovah gave to all mankind 
His Sabbath to be kept in mind. 

Ezek. 20:12. 

And, as man keeps the blessed day, 
He by the act doth plainly say, — 
"Jehovah is the Lord alone, 
No gods are they of wood and stone." 

Jer. 10 : 11. 

No wonder Satan oft has tried 
The sacred Sabbath truth to hide ! 



THE MYSTERY 135 

No wonder that he tries to place 
Creation's keepsake in disgrace ! 

Ex. 20:8-11. 

For well he knows he cannot win 
And keep his victims niid'^r siii 
So long" as sinners recognize 
The sign of God that sanctifies. 

Ezek. 20 : 12. 

A change in God's commands he'll make, 
And from its place the Sabbath take. 
He'll substitute another day, 
And then to all the world will say, — 

'Hear ! Worship me. Come, do my will. 
Accept my mark, my word fulfil. 
For you may neither bu3^ nor sell 
Unless my sign you honor well." 

Rev. 13:15-17. 

The battle lines are clearly drawn ; 
The closing conflict now is on. 
The challenge goes to all the world. 
And Satan's banners are unfurled. 

Matt. 4:9. 

Meanwhile, our God sends forth His word ; 
In every land and clime *tis heard, — 
'O serve him not, for if you do 
Unmingled wrath shall come to you." 

Rev. 14:9,11. 



136 THE MYSTERY 

'Tis thus the judgment message goes 
To all the world, 'Till each one knows 
The rival claims, and makes his choice, 

'Twixt Heaven's call and Satan's voice. 

1 Kings 18: 21. 

The Sabbath is God's seal and sign ; 
Of it the Lord hath said, — " 'Tis mine." 
His seal of faith, His sign of power 
To keep us in the trying hour. 

Eze. 20: 12, Isa. 58: 13. 

Before the Saviour comes again, 
Before probation's hour can end, 
The warning word must plainly sound 
To every one the world around. — 

Matt. 28 : 19, 20. 

Choose ye today whom ye will serve. 
Come, give yourself without reserve ; 
Receive Jehovah's seal, before 
Probation pass, and time is o'er." 

Josh. 24:51. Rev. 14:1. 

For soon the work of God will close, 
Man soon shall wither as the rose. 
But truth and righteousness shall last 
When all earth's transient plans are past. 

Isa. 40:7, 51:6-8. 



THE MYSTERY 137 

The Saviour now is at the door, 
His work as priest is almost o'er, 
He soon will lay His priesthood down 
To take instead the kingly crown. 

Matt. 24:33, Rev. 22-:12. 



The Closing- Scene 

Interlude 
As angels sang when earth began, 
Kre sin had marked or marred the plan, 
Methinks that once again the sound 
Of great rejoicing will resound. 
When from the wrong and wreck of sin 
The saved of earth are gathered in. 

Job 38.7, Rev. 22:14. 



The Work Finished 
The word to all the world has gone, 
The lines have everywhere been drawn, 
'Tis clearly seen in every spot, 
Who serveth God, who serveth not. 

Mai. 3:18. 



158 THE MYSTERY 

Inhabitants of worlds afar, 
The dwellers on each shining star 
With deepest interest watch to see 
What God's completed work shall be. 

1 Cor. 4:9, Eph. 3:10. 

Satanic agencies have tried, 
With Satan at their head to guide, 
To change God's truth, to teach a lie, 
To crush the saints of the Most High, 

I Tim. 4:4, Dan. 7:25. 

In solitary places now 
The saints in deepest anguish bow, 
And cry for help to Him who knows 
And cares for them in all their woes. 

From caverns deep, from prison cells, 
From forests where the wild beast dwells, 
From mountain haunts and barren moor. 
Arise the cries of Heaven's poor. 

Heb. 11:36-38. 



Probation Ci^oskd 
The warning voice of God has ceased. 
The angel, flying from the east 



THE MYSTERY 139 

Has closed his work. No more is heard 
The preaching of the living word, 

Amos 8:11-14. 

No missions now, the time is past ; 
The work on earth is closed at last. 
The righteous do His righteous will, 
The filthy must be filthy still. 

Rev. 22:11. 

A famine of the word is here, 
Men's hearts are failing them for fear, 
From North to East men frantic go. 
With frenzy, running to and fro, 

Amos 8:11. 

No more the word of God is found ; 
No more the gospel's joyful sound ; 
No more the blessed sound of prayer. 
But darkest dread and dire dispair. 

Matt. 24:37-39. 

The saints of God cry day and night ; 
They valk by faith and not by sight ; 
And this their cry on every tongue, 
O come. Lord Jesus, quickly come," 

Rev. 22:20. 



140 THE MYSTERY 

The Coming King 
'Tis darkest midnight's darkest hour ; 
The powers of darkness show their power. 
While rampant Wrong stalks forth abroad, 
And flings defiance up to God. 

Ex. 11:4. 

But look [ A rainbow arches o'er 
The skies that were so dark before. 
Within the arch a brightness shows, 
And brighter, and more glorious grows. 

A fleec3' cloud of purest white, 
Emitting streams of living light, 
With wondrous wheels of glorious gold, 
And colors, Incautious to behold, 

Rev. 1:7, Ezek. 11:6-18. 

Draws near the world. The heavens quake, 
The mountains from their bases break, 
The streams flow backward, buildings fall, 
And wicked men to mountains call, — 

Rev. 6:14. 

" Fall on us, shield us from His face ! 
O be for us a hiding place ! 
The day of His fierce wrath is here, 
A day of darkness, dread, and fear !" 

Rev. 6:15-17, Amo.s 5:20. 



THE MYSTERY 



141 



The righteous, with triumphant song, 
Cry, — " 'Tis our God ! we've waited long 
We've waited long, but now He's come 
To take us to our promised home." 

Isa. 25:9. 




*' The stars from heaven like figs shall fall.'' 
Page 68 



142 THE MYSTERY 

The Resurrection , 
The voice of the Archangel sounds, 
It reaches earth's remotest jjonnds. 
As Jesus, King- of life descends, 
The reign of death and darkness ends. 

1 Thes. 4:16. 

The righteous who in Christ have died 
Come up with bodies glorified, 
And with the living saints arise, 
To meet the Master in the skies. 

IThes. 4:16,17. 

A cry of gladness in the air ! 

All sorrow past, all pain, all care. 

See ! friends long parted meet once more. 

And greet the dear ones loved of yore. 

Isa. 35. 

That father greets his long lost son, 
That mother clasps her little one, 
Here husbands, wives, and children meet, 
There parted friends each other greet. 

Jer. 31:16. 

No trembling limbs, no saddened tone, 
No stifled sobs, no hopeless moan, 
No more Oppression's cruel reign, 
Indifferent to the victim's pain. 



THE MYSTERY 143 

No stooping forms, no broken hearts, 
No eyes from which the tear drop starts, 
No heavy sighs, no anxious fears, 
For God shall wipe away all tears. 

Rev. 21:4. 

Ah no ! All these are gone for aye. 
The former things are passed away. 
All trials are gone, all sorrows o'er, 
Affliction shall rise up no more. 

Nah. 1:9. 



Thk Desolate Earth 
All gone the signs of life from earth, 
No cry of pain, no shout of mirth, 
But far and near and all around 
Unburied dead lie on the ground. 

Jer. 9:22. 

The upturned faces of the dead 
Still wear the look of guilty dread. 
Fall on us, hide us," they had cried, 
And, fearing death, they there had died 

Rev. 6:16. 

A ghastly, grisly, gruesome sight ! 

A world from which has fled the light ! 



144 THE MYSTERY 

The ripened fruits of sin appear 
On ever}^ side, afar and near. 

Jer. 25:33. 

And here, amidst this wreck of sin, 
Is he who hrot the darkness in. 
He here must his dark vigil keep, 
'Tis here he sowed, here he must reap. 

Gal. 6:7. 

His work against the saints is o'er ; 
He never may distress them more ; 
No w^ork to do, shut up to fears, 
He here must spend his thousand years. 

Rev. 20:2. 

How hast thou fallen from thy height, 
Thou erstwhile })earer of the light ! 
How dimmed thy brightness, gone thy power 
How dark for thee this doleful hour ! 

Isa. 14:12. 




THE MYSTERY 145 

Thk MiIvI^knium EnDvS 
For a thousand years, in chaos 
lyies the world ; and desolation 
Reigns supreme. In chains of darkness 
I^anguishes the prince of rebels. 
Dead the mighty men, the warriors. 
Who, inspired by thirst for power. 
Have destroyed their fellow beings ; 
And as Satan looks upon them 
He can well discern the failure 
Of his plans for great dominion. 
But, tho he can see the sorrow. 
Fully ripened fruit of folly, 
He cannot repent ; but utters 
Words of bitterest maledictions 
On the heads of all his helpers, 
All his angels, and all sinners 
Who his own vile spirit cherished. 

Rev. 20:1-3, Isa. ]4:13-18. 

Practiced in all forms of evil, 
Every higher thot degraded, 
He at last can do no other 
Than continue in his error. 
Thru the centin-ies he suffers 
From remorse and disappointments. 
Held to that which he has chosen, 
He is made to feel the anguish 
Meet for him, the prince of devils. 

Isa. 14:16-20. 



146 'PIIK MYSTERY 

The Millenium Ends 
When the books are closed in heaven, 
When the thousand years are ended, 
When the guilt of every sinner 
Has been measured and decided 
By the saints' investigation, 
Jesus, once again descending 
To the earth in flaming fire, 
Resurrects the sleeping sinners, 
That they may receive the sentence 
Which has been reserved to give them 

Zech. 14:4-9, Rev. 20:4, 1 Cor. 6:2. 



The Holy City 
Once again the vision changes, 
And we see the saints of God 
Gathered round their l>lessed Saviour, 
In a spot by sin untrod. 

Rev. 15:2. 

As they gather round their Master, 
They look upward to the sky. 
And, with everlasting triumph. 
Raise they now the conquerors' cry,— 

Yonder is the glorious city 
Floating to this world of ours." 



THE MYSTERY « 147 

Brightly shine its twelve foundations, 
Domes, and walls, and lurret towers. 

Rev. 21 :19. 

Four-square lies the wondrous city, 
Built in orderly array ; 
All its gates are pearl transparent, 
And shall never pass away. 

Rev. 21:16-21. 

In this greatest of all cities 
All is glorious, pure, and bright. 
Neither sun nor moon is needed, 
For the vSaviour is its light. 

Rev. 21:23. 

In the center of the city 
Jesus sits the King of kings. 
Here he wields his peaceful scepter, 
Here a choir of angels sings. 

Rev. 22:1, 19:16. 

From the center of the city 
Flowing from beneath the throne, 
Issues water pure, life-giving. 
For the dwellers' use alone. 

Rev. 21:27. 

There's a garden in that city. 
And the tree of life within. 



148 THE MYSTERY 

With its fruits and leaves for healing 
From all doubt, and death, and sin. 

Rev. 21:4, 18. 

All the pavements of the city 
Are composed of purest gold ; 
And the dwellers of the city 
Never sicken nor grow old. 

Rev. 22:2. 



On the outside of the city 
Satan inarches wath his host, — 
Kings and captains, princes, rulers, 
In this army of the lost. 

Rev. 20:9. 



As that host surrounds the city, 
See the saved all safe within, 
They are filled with furious frenzy, — 
Straightway they the siege begin. 

IvUke 13:28. 



Saints, beholding from the city, 
See the sad results of sin. 
Sinners stand without, beholding, 
But they cannot enter in. 

Rev. 21:27. 



THE MYSTERY i49 

The Final Destruction 
On the host outside the city 
Falls the fire of God from heaven. 
To the wicked of the earth, is 
Final retribution given. 

Rev. 20:9. 



The New Earth Metropolis 
On the billows floats the city, 
City of the living God, 
As the ark of Noah floated 
On the waters of the flood. 

Matt. 24:37. 

Only those are in the city 
Who are pure, made white, and tried, 
Who have kept their lyord's command- 
ments. 
Who to every sin have died. 

Rev. 22:14. 

Many men are in the city, 

Men of patience, power, and prayer, 

Adam, Abraham, and Abel, 

Job, and Joshua, are there. 

I,uke 13:28. 



150 THE MYSTERY 

I'll have loved ones in that city - 
I must meet and greet them there 
I must pluck the fruit of heaven ; 
I must breathe the balmy air. 

O, I must behold that city 1 
I must walk its shining street, 
I the pearly gate must enter, 
I my loving Lord must meet L 

You, my reader, in that city 
May the fruits of life's fair tree 
Pluck and eat, and live forever ! 
Come 1 O come and go with me I 



FiNALK 
A world rebuilt. Once more I hear 
A burst of gladsome song. 
The cloud of sin is passed away, 
Lo now is dawned eternal day, 
And righted every wrong. 

Rev. 5:13. 



THE MYSTERY 151 

High sounding cymbals speak the praise 
Of Him who reigns above. 
The dragons, and all deeps are heard. 
The stormy winds fulfil his word. 
Declaring, God is love. 

Ps. 148, 149, 150. 

The saints on earth take up the cry, 
And praise Him o'er and o'er. 
The world and all the things therein, 
Delivered from defiling sin, 
The God of love adore. 

Ps. 147. 

The beauties of that heavenly land 
My pen can never tell ! 
My eyes have seen a land of light, 
Have caught a glimpse of glory bright, 
Where saints shall ever dwell. 

2 Pet. 3:13. 

Will you be there ? Shall I be there ? 

God grant it that we may ! 

That we with saints their bliss may share, 

Enjoy with them the mansions fair, 

In everlasting day. 

AMEN. 



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